When to get new tires tread depth

For example a typical tire that starts with 1032 of original tread depth has only 832 of useable tread depth. Its useable tread depth is calculated by subtracting a worn out tires 232 from the new tires original depth of 1032.

432 of tread depth remaining.

When to get new tires tread depth. New tire tread depth is the measurement typically published by tire manufacturers but its not the same as usable tire tread depth. Most states and tire manufacturers consider tires to be bald when one or more of their grooves are worn down to 232. So if you start with a new tire tread depth of 1032 the actual usable tread depth is 832.

When tires wear down to 232 theyve reached a point at which theyre unable to meet the challenges associated with driving on wet slushy. 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. 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.

Ten years is a maximum 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.

To ensure your safety measure the tread depth as part of your regular vehicle maintenance. Tread is the rubber on the tire that touches the road. New tires have an average tread depth of 8 to 9 millimeters 1032 to 1132 inches.

As you drive the tread will wear down. A tire with a tread depth below 16 millimeters 232 inches lacks grip. Traditional advice says that when your tire tread is worn down to where the groove measures just 232 of an inch and thats the tire tread depth law in some states or when the tread wear.

As mentioned above tires are legally worn out In most States when they reach 232 of remaining tread depth. For example a typical tire that starts with 1032 of original tread depth has only 832 of useable tread depth. Its useable tread depth is calculated by subtracting a worn out tires 232 from the new tires original depth of 1032.

In the United States tire tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch. 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 idea of the penny test is to check whether youve hit the 232 threshold. 432 of tread depth remaining. With a penny to measure tread depth place it into the tread grooves and if the top of the Lincoln Memorial is covered your tires have more than 632 of remaining tread depth.

Now theres just one more thing. Your new tires will require a break-in. Is its tread depth.

Tires are considered worn when they reach the wear bars at 232 as seen on the Bridgestone Blizzak tire below. We recommend that winter snow tires be replaced when they reach approximately 632 of remaining tread depth. Tires need more tread depth in wintry.

When the tread depth gets too low or your tires are 6 years old or older its time for new rubber. Philip Reed September 18 2018 Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners. On your typical Mud Terrain and All Terrain Tires the chart below is a good standard to go by However if you drive Truck Tires in wetrainy conditions you should consider replacing your tires when they reach 432 of remaining tread depth.

This is because water cannot be compressed with low tread depth. 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. Ideally tyres should be replaced once they reach a tread depth of 2mm. Research studies have shown that a tread depth of 3mm offers drivers around a 25 improvement in performance compared with a tread depth of the legal minimum of 16mm.

Simply insert a penny into your tires tread groove with Lincolns head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincolns head your tread depth is less than 232 inch and its time to replace your tires. The Quarter Tire Test Another easy coin test is the quarter test.

If this is the case your tires need to be replaced. If part of Lincolns head is always covered by the tread you have more than 232 of an inch of tread depth remaining. This means you probably dont need new tires.

Why Worry About Tread Wear. 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.

The minimum legal limit for tire tread depth is 232 of inch but its best not to wait that long to replace your tires. If a tire is less than 332 of an inch its time to get new tires.