The deep tread plus grooves and slits cut into the sides of the tread allow water and snow to escape. All wheel drive tire replacement all wheel drive tire replacement rules awd tire replacement myth can you replace just 2 tires on an all wheel drive car mismatched tires on awd.
If you do not have a tread depth gauge insert a.
Tread depth to replace tires. Winter Tread Depth - When to Stop Using Tires in Snow and on Ice tires Tire Rack recommends drivers consider replacing their tires when they reach approximately 632 of remaining tread depth to maintain good mobility. Tires need more tread depth in wintry conditions to compress snow in their grooves and release it as they roll. Your tires tread depth is sufficient.
If snow-covered roads are a concern you should consider replacing your tires. If you frequently drive on wet roads consider replacing your tires. Its time to start shopping for new tires.
They are close to being worn out. New tires typically come with 1032 or 1132 tread depths and some truck SUV and winter tires may have deeper tread depths than other models. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires when they reach 232 and many states legally require tires to be replaced at this depth.
The Tire Racks advice is that if rain and wet roads are a concern you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 432 of remaining tread depth. Since water cant be compressed you need enough tread depth to allow the rain to escape through the tires grooves. Traction and performance in these conditions will be compromised long before the official minimum tread depth of 232 is reached.
We highly recommend you check your tire tread depth regularly and depending upon your driving environment s and other variables consider replacing your tires when they reach 432. To gauge tread depth all you need is a quarter. Put George Washingtons head into one of the big grooves.
If the top of his head is flush with the tread you have about 432 inch of tread left. New tires typically have from 1032 to 1132 of an inch of tire tread depth when theyre new. The deep tread plus grooves and slits cut into the sides of the tread allow water and snow to escape.
If you drive a lot of miles youll wear down the treads in a few months. 232 is the legal limit in many states and that is when youll be down to the wear bars across the tread of the tire. At 432 I am not buying yet but not going to get down below 332 so Im shopping for good prices.
Old tires are dangerous regardless of tread depth. While theres no federally sanctioned safety guidance on when a tire is too old to be safe many carmakers recommend replacement at six years. There are some services that shave the tread depth of a tire to match it to the others for a small fee.
However shaving a tire will void its tread-wear warranty. All wheel drive tire replacement all wheel drive tire replacement rules awd tire replacement myth can you replace just 2 tires on an all wheel drive car mismatched tires on awd. It is taken from the top of the rubber to the bottom of the tires deepest grooves.
Generally most tires start with a tread depth of 1032 inches about 8mm. You should not let your tire depth fall below 432 inches about 32 mm and should replace it by then. Driving in with your tires in that state has a high risk of accidents.
Tread Depth Per code section 39375 c tires shall have a tread groove pattern depth of at least 232 of an inch when measured in a major tread groove It also states that measurements cant be taken where tie bars humps or fillets are located DOT steer tire regulations state that depth is at least 432 of an inch. Just 2 millimeters means its time for a new tire while more than 5 millimeters is enough for most cars - anything in between depends on whether you expect the tire to perform well in the rain meaning you need 4 millimeters or the snow 5 millimeters or more is best. Its your car and your call.
Insert a quarter upside down into the tread. If it doesnt cover George Washingtons hairline it means the tread is less than 432 of an inch deep and its about time to bite the bullet and get new tires. In many states just 232 of an inch is considered the minimum legal tread depth.
However more tread is safer. In the US youll find that most new car tires come with 1032 tread depth. Some larger vehicles such as a Ford F-150 or Explorer may have tires with deeper tread.
Either way its recommended that you replace any tires that are below 232 tread. Scottys Automotive Service advises that the best way to stay safe on the road is to replace your tires when you need new ones. Heres how to test your tire tread depth at home.
You can get a general idea of your tire tread depth with a penny or a quarter but its important to understand that this test is not accurate. If part of Lincolns head is always covered by the tread you have more than 232 of tread depth remaining. Place a quarter into several tread grooves across the tire.
If part of Washingtons head is always covered by the tread you have more than 432 of tread depth remaining. Use a tread depth gauge or a penny to more accurately measure wear across each tire checking four points per tire. Place the metal rod of the tire depth gauge in the groove and push the casing down until it touches the tire.
Check the depth reading. If it reads 232 or less replace the tire. If you do not have a tread depth gauge insert a.