How to Check Tire Tread Depth

Are you wondering, “How do I check tire tread wear?” The team at Rallye Acura has the answers. All that’s needed is a ruler or penny, and you can check your tire tread depth right at home near Manhasset! Learn how to check tire tread depth below, and don’t hesitate to contact our service center if you have any questions along the way. 

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth? 

New tires will have a tread depth of about 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch (about a third of an inch). Winter tires and tires designed for off-roading, as well as some truck and SUV tires, may have deeper tread grooves.

When the tire tread depth gets to 2/32 of an inch, it’s time to replace your tires, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Proper tire tread depth is crucial to ensuring safe driving in Garden City, while proper tire care helps extend the life of your tires.

The Penny Test

Even though a ruler is a more accurate way to check the tire tread depth, a penny will do if you can’t find one. The design on the U.S. penny makes it an excellent household tool to measure your tire wear. Follow these quick and simple steps to check the tread depth remaining on your tires:

1. Insert a penny with Lincoln head-first into a tire tread groove.
2. See if Lincoln’s head is covered and no longer visible between the grooves.
3. If you can still see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire treads are 2/32 inches deep or less, and they need to be replaced.
4. Go ahead and repeat this process on all four tires and in multiple locations on each tire.

How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear Using Different Methods?

Some drivers will use their credit and debit cards instead of cash since they don’t always have a penny on hand. Below are additional ways that you can check your tire tread depth:

• Tread Depth Gauge: You would need to purchase it, but many Glen Cove car owners consider this an affordable and worthwhile investment. Simply insert the probe into the shallowest tread groove, then press the top bar of the gauge flat against the tire to read the treadwear rating.

• Tread Wear Bars: Most tires come with tread wear indicator bars built into them at the bottom of the tread grooves in multiple locations across the tire. If you notice that the bars are flush with the tire ribs that surround them, the tread depth has reached 2/32 of an inch.

Get Additional Tire Care Tips at Rallye Acura!

When you visit our Roslyn service center for routine maintenance, the factory-trained and certified technicians will inspect your tires for any issues or wear. If it’s time to replace your tires, visit our tire center. Don’t forget – we offer an excellent selection of parts and service specials to get an excellent deal on your service and tires. Feel free to contact our service center if you have any questions or need to schedule a service appointment.