How to Check Tire Tread Depth

A commonly asked question by Dallas drivers is, “How do I check tire tread wear?” The good news is that you can easily check your tire tread depth at home, and all you need is a ruler or a penny. Keep reading to learn how to check tire tread depth with the team at Bob Moore Auto Group!

Is There a Recommended Tire Tread Depth? 

Having proper tire tread depth is essential to navigating Edmond roads safely. Although the recommended tire tread depth can vary depending on the type of tires (winter, all-season, etc.) your car has, most new tires should have a tread depth of roughly 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch. 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you should replace your tires once your tire tread depth is at 2/32 of an inch. With that in mind, you may be asking, “How do I check tire tread wear?” Luckily, there are many ways you can easily do so. 

Checking Tire Tread Depth: The Penny Test

Although using a ruler is the most accurate way to check tire tread depth, you can also use a penny if you don’t have a ruler on hand. To check tire tread depth with a penny, you’ll want to take the following steps:

1. With Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you, insert the penny into a tire tread groove.
2. Next, you’ll want to check if Lincoln’s head is covered and no longer visible between the grooves.
3. If you’re able to see all of Lincoln’s head, that means your tire tread is 2/32 inches deep or less. If this is the case, your tires are in need of replacing.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 on all four tires and in multiple locations on each tire.

Other Methods for Checking Tire Tread Depth

Let’s face it: having cash and coins on hand is not as common as it used to be. That being said, you might be wondering, “How do I check tire tread wear without a penny?” There are a couple of other methods Oklahoma City drivers can use to check tire tread depth, including: 

• Tread Depth Gauge: You can purchase a tread depth gauge that inserts into the tread groove via a probe. Upon pressing the top bar of the gauge flat against the tire, you can view the tread wear rating.
• Tread Wear Bars: A lot of tires have tread wear indicator bars that are built into them. Typically, they are found at the bottom of the tread grooves in several locations across the tire. Bars that are flush with the tire ribs that surround them indicate that the tire tread depth is 2/32 of an inch.

Get Expert Tire Care at Bob Moore Auto Group near Tulsa

Determining how to check tire tread depth is a great start for taking proper care of your vehicle. To get the most out of your car, be sure to check out these service tips and tricks from our experts at Bob Moore Auto Group. If you have any additional questions about tire tread depth that were not answered, contact us today and our service team will be happy to assist you!