How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear?

Are you not sure how to check your car or truck tire tread depth? Our service team at Ryan Chevrolet is here to help! Checking tire tread wear is easy; all you need is a ruler or a penny. Although rulers are more accurate, the penny test will do in a pinch. Follow the instructions below to measure your car tread depth. Schedule an appointment at our service center to have your tires rotated or replaced today!

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth?

When you buy new tires, their tire tread depth is approximately 10/32 to 11/32 of an inch, depending on what kind of tires you chose. Winter tires and off-roading tires start out with deeper tread grooves.

Once your tires reach 2/32 of an inch, it’s time to replace them. Correct tire tread depth is essential to keeping yourself safe on Williston roads. Rotating your tires regularly will help extend their lifespan.

The Penny Test

A ruler is the most accurate measure of truck tire tread depth or car tread depth, but in the absence of one, a penny will suffice. Follow the steps below to perform the penny test at home or on-the-go.

1. Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head face-up.
2. Is Lincoln’s head covered or visible?
3. If you can see Lincoln’s whole head, then your tires are at or below 2/32 of an inch and need to be replaced.
4. Repeat the process on all four tires and on different spots of each.

More Ways to Check Tire Health

If you want a more precise measurement of tire health other than measuring tire tread, you can invest in products that do the measuring for you. A tire tread depth gauge or tread wear bars have visible marks that indicate the exact point you need to have your tires replaced. When you’re inspecting your tire tread depth, you should also check the following:

• Signs of wear or damage
• Tire pressure
• Wheel alignment
• Tire rot and disintegration

Maintain Your Tires at Ryan Chevrolet

Now that we’ve answered, “How do I check tire tread wear,” and you know how to measure tire tread, you can perform the penny test to get a quick read of your tires’ tread depth. Order OEM tires through our tire center and have them shipped directly to Ryan Chevrolet and professionally installed. New Town and Belcourt car owners on a budget will appreciate our rotating parts specials.