How to Check Tire Tread Depth

Checking your tire tread depth is an important aspect of vehicle maintenance that helps ensure your safety on the road. Tire tread provides traction and grip, allowing your vehicle to stop and steer effectively.

Why is checking tire tread depth important?

1. Improves safety: Tires with worn tread can’t provide adequate traction and grip, which can make it harder to control your vehicle in wet or slippery conditions. Checking your tire tread depth helps ensure that your tires have enough tread to provide safe handling and braking.

2. Prolongs tire life: Tires with worn tread wear out faster and have to be replaced sooner. Regularly checking your tire tread depth and replacing worn tires can save you money in the long run and prolong the life of your tires.

3. Maintains manufacturer warranty: Many tire manufacturers require that tire tread depth be maintained at a certain level in order to keep the warranty valid. Neglecting to check your tire tread depth could void your warranty and leave you without coverage if your tires fail.

How to check tire tread depth

There are two easy and inexpensive ways to check your tire tread depth:

1. Penny test: Take a penny and place it upside down in the tread of your tire. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered, your tires still have adequate tread.

2. Tread depth gauge: You can purchase a tread depth gauge at your local auto parts store. Simply insert the gauge into the tread and read the measurement. If the tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch, it’s time to replace your tires.

In conclusion, checking your tire tread depth is an important aspect of vehicle maintenance that helps ensure your safety on the road. Regularly checking your tire tread depth and replacing worn tires can save you money in the long run and prolong the life of your tires. If you’re not sure if your tires are in need of replacement, give us a call!