What tread depth to replace tires

Proper care expands a tires lifespan. Snow replacement tires should be purchased when approximately 632 of the tread depth remains.

At this tread depth your tires are on the verge of failure if they encounter the wrong pothole or curb.

What tread depth to replace tires. 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.

At this tread depth your tires are on the verge of failure if they encounter the wrong pothole or curb. New tires typically start with a tread depth of 1032 to 1232 with some off-road tires topping 1532. New tire tread depth is the measurement typically published by tire manufacturers but its not the same as usable tire tread depth.

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 A typical passenger car tire has about twenty square inches of total footprint surface and begins with about 13 of tread depth. 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.

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 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. 432 wait unless other wear like uneven tread wear or age indicates otherwise.

BUTbe forewarned now and start saving up to be ready. Also depends greatly on the tread design of that tire. 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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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. You can measure tread depth using a tread depth gauge. But even if your tires have plenty of tread left experts recommend that you replace tires that are 6 years old or older says Petersen.

The Department of Transportation code on a cars tire shows. Many experts suggest replacing a tire with anything less than 232 of an inch of tread is remaining even before it hits the wear bars. Step 1 Prepare the motorcycle for inspection Park the bike on a smooth level surface in an area that has adequate lighting.

If the tires havent been replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture as a precaution Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires. Even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator. This applies to spare tires as well.

Proper care expands a tires lifespan. Snow replacement tires should be purchased when approximately 632 of the tread depth remains. For wet roads 432.

And dry roads 232 is the legal minimum but we wouldnt wait that long to replace tires. If you cut or puncture the sidewall or drove on a flat tire or one. 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.