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How To Read Tire Tread Depth

Simply insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.

How many 32nds is a new tire?

New tires have an average tread depth of 8 to 9 millimeters (10/32 to 11/32 inches). As you drive, the tread will wear down. A tire with a tread depth below 1.6 millimeters (2/32 inches) lacks grip. Braking distance and vehicle control are impaired.

How much is 7 32 tread?

Tire Tread Depth Conversion /32″, Inch, MM Fraction /32″s Inch MM 7/32″ 0.219 5.56 8/32″ 0.250 6.35 9/32″ 0.281 7.14 10/32″ 0.313 7.94.

What is good tire tread depth?

New tires typically come with 10/32” or 11/32” tread depths, and some truck, SUV and winter tires may have deeper tread depths than other models. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires when they reach 2/32”, and many states legally require tires to be replaced at this depth.

Is 7 32 A lot of tread?

A tread depth gauge is the most accurate way. 6/32″ or higher: Your tire’s tread depth is sufficient. 5/32″: If snow-covered roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires. 4/32″: If you frequently drive on wet roads, consider replacing your tires.

Should I replace my tires at 4 32?

The Tire Rack’s advice is that if rain and wet roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 4/32″ of remaining tread depth. Since water can’t be compressed, you need enough tread depth to allow the rain to escape through the tire’s grooves.

How many 32nds is the wear bar on a tire?

The tread wear bars on a tire sit precisely at 2/32″.

Is 9/32 A good tread depth?

Average new tires used on cars typically start with 10/32″ to 11/32″ of original tread depth. As mentioned above, tires are legally “worn out” In most States when they reach 2/32″ of remaining tread depth. For example, a typical tire that starts with 10/32″ of original tread depth has only 8/32″ of useable tread depth.

What is 6 32 tire tread mean?

6/32” Your tire’s tread depth is sufficient for 3-seasons but nearing minimum for a winter tire. 5/32” If wet roads are a concern, consider replacing your tires. 4/32” – 3/32” Seriously consider replacing your tires as soon as possible.

Is 70 tire tread good?

Used tires tread can be up to 90%, but the average is 6-8/32”. Tires in good condition should have a minimum of 6/32” to be useful, or 4/32” if the tire is 13-14”. The average legal minimum tread depth is 2/32”, but driving becomes unsafe with such a tread.

What do tire wear bars tell you?

Designed specifically to help you gauge your tire health, indicator bars are small tread marks that are cut off at the lowest safety point in your tire tread. These bars are often raised to 2/32”, the hazard point in most tires. When your tread aligns with the wear bars, it means you are ready for a new set of tires.

How many mm tread before changing tires?

Fast facts: When to replace tires You must replace tires when the tread depth falls below 1.6 mm, which is the legal limit. Continental recommends changing summer tires at 3 mm and winter tires at 4 mm tread depth; after this point safety and performance characteristics are not optimal.

How many miles are tires good for?

Your tires should last 50,000 to 60,000 miles on average. But that really depends on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers build their tires to last up to 80,000 miles, while some design their tires to last as little as 30,000 miles. You can see how many miles to expect out of a tire by checking its treadwear rating.

Is 80 percent tire tread good?

Here’s what the heck that means: 2/32nds of tread is the legal minimum of tread you need on your tires to pass inspection in most states. Most tires have 10/32nds of tread when new, and when 80 percent of the tread has worn down, or its reached 2/32nds, it’s time for new tires.

Is 50 tire tread good?

If the tread reaches the bear’s paws, your tires are probably pretty new. If it reaches all the way across the silver, they’re about 50% worn. If your tire tread reaches only about half-way into the letters, it’s time to shop for new tires.

What does 32nds mean?

adjective. the ordinal number of thirty-two in counting order. synonyms: thirty-second ordinal. being or denoting a numerical order in a series.

Why do new car tires wear out so fast?

The tires that came with your last new car were not designed by Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone or any other tire manufacturer. They were designed by the manufacturer of your car. This is because virtually all auto manufacturers specify very soft rubber which means they wear out too fast.

Is the penny test for tires accurate?

For years, motorists have been told the “penny test” is an accurate indicator of whether or not you need new tires. The test is conducted by sticking a penny head down in a tire tread; if you see all of Lincoln’s head, then you should change the tires. The one with an eighth of an inch of tread stopped in 300 feet.

How often do tires need to be rotated?

This common maintenance task—which should typically be done every 5,000 to 8,000 miles—isn’t one you should ignore. It may seem minor, but remember: Tires are the only thing that comes between your 2-ton vehicle and the road.