How To Check Tire Tread Depth

Your vehicle’s tires must be in top shape to work correctly on Stephenville roads and beyond. To monitor their performance, you should check the tire tread depth and wear at least once per month. How do I check tire tread wear? Our service technicians at Bayer Auto Group have your guide to checking tire treads so you can perform this regular maintenance. 

What Is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth? 

New tires usually have a tread depth of 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch (about a third of an inch). Winter, off-roading, and all-terrain tires may have deeper grooves simply because they need better traction. 

How do I check the tire tread depth to know when to replace it? First, the U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing a tire when its tread depth measures 2/32 of an inch. Maintaining safety and traction is essential on Brownwood streets, so keep an eye on this aspect of your tires.

How to Check Tire Tread Depth: The Penny Test

Want easy instructions on how to check tire tread depth? A ruler offers a precise method, but a penny will suffice! A penny is the perfect spur-of-the-moment tool for this. 

See the instructions here: 

1. Insert the penny with Lincoln head-first into a tire tread groove.
2. Check if Lincoln’s head is covered and no longer visible between the grooves.
3. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire treads are 2/32 inches deep or less, and it’s time to replace them.
4. Repeat this process on all four tires and in multiple locations on each tire.

How Do I Check Tread Wear in Other Ways?

There are ways to check how to check tread wear and depth without a penny:

• Tread Depth Gauge: Purchase a tread depth gauge from any auto parts store in Abilene or the surrounding areas. Insert the probe into the shallowest tread groove, then press the gauge’s top bar flat against the tire to see the tread wear rating. You’ll see the official number here, almost like a ruler. This is the most accurate method for testing tread depth. 

• Tread Wear Bars: Most tires have tread wear indicator bars built into them. If you peer into the tread grooves, you’ll see them. If the colored bars are flush with the surrounding tire ribs, it’s time to replace the tire because the tread depth has reached 2/32 of an inch or less.

Service Your Tires With the Team at Bayer Auto Group

Is it time for a new set of tires? Contact us, call (325) 356-2541, or schedule service with our team. We handle tire rotations and any type of automotive service in Comanche.