How to Check Tire Tread Depth: A Quick Guide

If you’re wondering, “How do I check tire tread wear,” don’t stress – Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover has the answers for you! All you require is a ruler or penny, and you can check your tire tread depth at home in Birmingham and Vestavia Hills! Discover how to check tire tread depth below, and contact us if you have any questions.

What is the Suggested Tire Tread Depth?

New tires have a tread depth of around 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch (about 33% of an inch). Winter tires and off-road tires, such as on many trucks and SUVs, may have significantly deeper tread grooves.

At 2/32 of an inch, you’ll want to replace your tires as per the U.S. Branch of Transportation. Adequate tire tread depth is fundamental for safe driving in Bessemer, and appropriate tire care can even stretch your tires’ lifespan.

The Penny Test

Though a ruler is the most exact means of gauging tire tread depth, if, on the off chance that you can’t tread down a ruler in your home — or you are in a hurry, and you need to check your tires — a penny will do when there’s no other option. The U.S. penny’s design makes it the ideal measuring device to gauge your tire wear. Follow these steps to check your tire’s tread depth:

• Place a penny with Lincoln’s head down first directly into a tire tread groove.
• If you see the entirety of Lincoln’s head, that means your tire treads are 2/32 inches down or less, and it’s time to replace them.
• Redo this test on every one of the four tires and in various areas on each tire.

How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear Using Other Methods?

Nowadays, many people utilize their credit and charge cards more regularly than money. Along these lines, it’s conceivable that you probably won’t have a penny close by. Here a few alternative ways you can check your tread depth before you hit the streets of Helena:

Tread Wear Bars: Most tires feature tread wear marker bars within them. You’ll see them at the lower part of the tread grooves in different areas across the tire. The off chance that the bars are flush with the tire ribs that encompass them indicates that the tread depth has reached 2/32 of an inch.

Tread Depth Gauge: One approach to check your tire tread wear without a penny is with a tread depth measure. You would have to buy it. However, numerous Bessemer vehicle owners will find it’s well worth the investment. Embed the gauge into the shallowest tread groove. At that point, press the top bar of the measure level against the tire to see the tread wear.

Care for Your Tires With Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover

When it’s time to replace your tires, our service center is right by your side with the tools and expertise needed to get you back on the road safely. Visit our tire center, and make sure to check our service specials to get an extraordinary deal on your next tires. We look forward to getting you back on Bluff Park streets with your tires in top form!