How to Check Tire Tread

Some Traverse City drivers have asked the service team at Serra Toyota of Traverse City how to check tire tread. Why is that an important thing to know? The tire treads on your Toyota grip the road as you drive around Cadillac and help you control your car. Over time, tire tread depth gradually decreases, weakening the traction between the tires and the pavement. If your tire tread depth gets too shallow, it could be dangerous, especially during inclement weather conditions when Manistee roads are slippery. So, learn how to check tire tread below.

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth?

Before learning how to check tire tread depth, it’s important to understand the proper tread depth. When you purchase a brand new set of tires, they usually have a tread depth of around 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch (approximately a third of an inch). Winter tires and tires for off-roading have deeper tread grooves. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, tires should be replaced when their tread depth is at 2/32 of an inch or less. With safety concerns in mind, it’s wise to learn how to check tread on tires at home!

How to Check Tire Tread With a Penny

While a ruler is the most accurate method for learning how to check tire tread with a penny will work and is easy to find! Follow these steps, and you’ll know how to check tire tread with a penny.

1. Insert your penny into one of the grooves on your tires with Lincoln’s head facing toward the ground.
2. If you can’t see all of President Lincoln’s head, your tire tread depth is okay.
3. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire tread depth is 2/32 inches deep or less, so it’s time for new tires. Call our service team, or make a service appointment online.
4. Repeat the process on all of your tires and in multiple locations on each of the tires.

What Are Other Ways to Check Your Tire Tread Depth?

If you can’t find a penny, here are a couple of other methods to check your tread depth:

• Tread Depth Gauge: You can purchase a tire tread depth gauge from the Serra Toyota of Traverse City parts center or any Glen Arbor-area auto parts store. Then, insert the probe into the shallowest tread groove you can find. Press the top bar of the gauge flat against the tire to read the tread wear rating.
• Tread Wear Bars: Many tires have tread wear indicator bars built into the rubber. You can find them at the bottom of the tread grooves in several locations across your tires. If the bars are flush with the tire ribs surrounding them, it means that the tread depth is at 2/32 of an inch or less, and you need new tires.

Trust Serra Toyota of Traverse City For Your Tire Care Needs

So now you know how to check tread on tires! Remember that we are here for all your service needs. Please review our service specials and contact us when we can help, from an oil change to a new Toyota! Be sure to check in with us if you’d like further information on how to check tire tread depth!