How to Check Tire Tread Depth

The Ide VW of East Rochester service center gets all kinds of questions from Pittsford area drivers. Such questions include everything from “How do I change my oil” to “How do I check tire tread wear?” If you too are wondering how to check tire tread depth on your vehicle’s tires to see if they need to be replaced, then keep it with us! Feel free to contact us in the meantime with any questions you have about car care & maintenance.

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth? 

There is no recommended tire tread depth to drive on, but there is a recommended tread depth at which to rplace tires. This is 2/32 of an inch, per the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Most new tires, for comparison’s sake, offer between 10/32 and 11/32 of an inch of tread depth when they’re brand new. Maintaining enough tread depth to keep traction on Pittsford and Webster roads is not only important to your safety but also the safety of others on the road. 

How to Check Tire Tread Depth: The Penny Test

Using a ruler or tread depth guage are by far the most accurate means of measuring tire tread depth. But using the penny test will do in a pinch. Here’s how to check tire tread depth with this method:

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.

What Are Other Ways to Check Your Tire Tread Depth?

If you don’t have a penny on hand, use these methods:

• Tread Wear Bars: Most tires have tread wear indicator bars built into them, and you can use them to see if it’s time to replace your tires or not. If the bars are flush with the surrounding tire ribs, this means that the tread depth has reached 2/32 of an inch.
• Tread Depth Gauge: You can buy a tire tread depth gauge from almost any Fairport-area car parts store. To use, put the probe into the shallowest tread groove, then press the top bar of the gauge flat against the tire gently to see the tread wear rating.

Keep Your Tires in Excellent Condition with Ide VW of East Rochester

Ready for more answers to your tire or car maintenance questions? The Ide VW of East Rochester service center is here to help, so call us at (585) 586-2225 anytime! Meanwhile, we invite you to utilize our online service scheduler for more pressing needs.