How to Check Tire Tread Depth
How to Check Tire Tread Depth
Curious about how to check tire tread depth? Tread depth is a key indicator of when it’s time for a new set of tires and crucial for optimal performance on Palmdale roads, so it’s important to monitor regularly. The good news is, it’s very easy to check tire tread depth, as all you need is a ruler or a penny. Otherwise, these tire care tips from Frontier Toyota should help as you navigate how to check tire tread depth.
Recommended Tire Tread Depth
The average new tire has a tread depth of 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch, or about ⅓ of an inch. However, winter tires and performance tires may have deeper tread grooves, so check your owner’s manual for optimal tread depth for your specific tires. When is it time to replace your tires? When tire tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch, you’ll want to bring your car to the Frontier Toyota service center for a tire replacement.
How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear?
Now that you know the appropriate measurements for tire tread depth, you may be asking yourself: “How do I check tire tread wear?” Consider these methods:
The Penny Test
If you don’t have a ruler handy, you can check tire tread depth using a penny. Simply follow these steps:
- Insert a penny into a tire tread groove, with Lincoln’s head going into the groove.
- Observe if Lincoln’s head is covered and no longer visible between the grooves.
- If all of Lincoln’s head is visible, then your tire treads are 2/32 inches deep or less, meaning it’s time to replace the tire.
- Repeat this process on all four tires and in multiple locations on each tire.
Tread Depth Gauge
Buy a tire tread depth gauge for accurate measurements. All you need to do with this tool is insert the probe, and press the top bar of the gauge flat against the tire to determine the tread wear rating.
Tread Wear Bars
The majority of tires have built-in tread wear indicator bars, located at the bottom of tread grooves in multiple locations across the tire. If the bars are flush with the tire ribs that surround them, it indicates that the tread depth has reached 2/32 of an inch.
Maintain Your Tires at Frontier Toyota
Get in touch with Frontier Toyota if you have any tire care questions, and feel free to schedule service with us near San Fernando Valley when you need a tire rotation or a new set of tires. Check out our service specials and parts coupons for a great price on new tires and tire installation!
