Where To Measure Tire Tread

The best way to measure your tread depth is to stick the probe into the shallowest groove on the tire, press the shoulders of the probe flat against the tread and then read the result. All gauges should measure both in the 1/32″ United States standard and in millimeters.

How do you measure tire tread?

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.

What should tire tread depth be?

In the United States, tire tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch. 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. The idea of the penny test is to check whether you’ve hit the 2/32” threshold.

How do you measure tread depth without a gauge?

Use a Quarter A simple way to check tread depth is using the nickel or quarter test. Hold a quarter or nickel between your thumb and forefinger and place the coin inside the channel, with the top of the figurehead’s head facing the tire.

What does 3/32 tire tread mean?

3/32″: It’s time to start shopping for new tires. They are close to being worn out. 2/32″ or lower: Your tires are legally bald, and it’s time to replace them.

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 60 percent 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.

Should I replace 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 do I check tire tread without tool?

Take the penny and insert it, upside down, inside the grooves on each tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered by the treads, the car tire has at least 2/32″ of tread remaining. This is the minimum recommended tread depth for a car tire. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it is probably time to look for new tires.

How do you measure tire tread with a Canadian quarter?

The quarter test A classic way to measure winter tire wear is to use a quarter. Insert a 25¢ Canadian coin in one of the grooves with the caribou facing down. If you see the tip of its nose, it means the tread depth no longer meets 6/32”, so the tire probably won’t last all winter or 10,000 km.

How is tire wear measured in Canada?

Hold the quarter between your thumb and forefinger with the quarter head facing down. Select a point on your tire where tread appears the lowest and insert the figurehead first into one of the grooves. If the top of the figurehead is covered by tread, you’re driving with the legal and safe amount of tread.

How much tread is on 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.

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.

What is 8 32 tread left?

8/32″ of useable tread depth. A tire that starts with 10/32″ of original tread depth has 12.5% wear for every 1/32″ that is worn away, and a tire that starts with 12/32″ ” of original tread depth, has 10% wear for every 1/32″ that is worn away, etc.

Is 5mm tire tread good?

Insert the gauge into the tyre tread groove with the coloured scale touching the tyre. If the red is visible the tyre tread is below 1.6mm. This means the tyre is 100% worn and should be replaced urgently. If the green is visible, the tyre tread is above is 5mm and is safe to drive.

Is 50 percent 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 tire tread depth is too low?

When is Tread Depth Too Low? The minimum legal limit is 2/32 of an inch. This doesn’t mean that tires are perfectly safe if they have 3/32 left of tread. This is simply the limit at which you won’t pass your state safety inspection.

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.

What is 40% tread life?

Under normal driving in a fairly light car, most people would see 20k to 25k miles on a new set with regular rotations. At 40 percent you should expect around 8k miles before they get near the wear indicators. It’s recommended not to run tires less than 3/32 of tread to avoid concerns of hydro planing.

What is a good tread depth for winter tires?

winter tires should have a tread depth of at least 4 millimeters (5/32 inches). They need to be thicker to handle wet, icy, and snowy conditions.

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.