How Do I Check Tire Tread Depth?

“How do I check tire tread wear?” There is a simple answer to this common question: grab a ruler or penny, and you can check your tire tread depth from the comfort of your garage in Kingsville! Contact us if you have any questions, or read on to find out how to properly inspect your tires and know if it’s time to visit a service center for some new wheels.

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth?

New tires have a tread depth of about 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch (about a third of an inch.) Winter tires and tires designed for off-roading, as well as some truck and SUV tires, may have even deeper tread grooves.

When your tires approach 2/32 of an inch, they are in need of replacement. It is essential for safe driving to have proper tire tread at all times, and tire care can even extend the lifespan of your tires.

The Penny Test

While using a ruler may provide more accurate results, you can check tire tread depth by using a common penny. The design on the U.S. penny makes it the perfect household tool to measure your tire wear. Here is how it works:

1. Insert a penny with Lincoln’s head face first into a tire tread groove.
2. See if Lincoln’s head is covered by the grooves of the tire.
3. If you can see all of Lincoln’s face, that means your tire treads are 2/32 inches deep or less, which means they are not safe for driving and should be replaced.
4. Repeat this process on all four tires and be sure to check each tire in multiple locations.

Additional Ways to Check Tire Health

There are special tools available in Port Lavaca to check your tires, such as a tire tread depth gauge. Another option is tire tread wear bars that have a visible mark built into the tire which indicates the 2/32 inch mark. When inspecting the tread depth of your tires, take some time to do a full tire inspection, checking for:

• Tire pressure
• Any visible tire damage
• Tire rot or disintegration
• Wheel alignment

Maintain Your Tires With Help from Allen Samuels CDJR Aransas Pass

When you visit our local service center for regular car maintenance, our highly-skilled technicians will inspect your tires for any issues or wear. If it’s time to replace your tires, visit our tire center. We offer a variety of parts and service specials so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal! Want to learn how often to change your engine’s air filter, or have questions about the CDJR warranty? We can help with that too!