\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Take the gauge and push in the measurement pin until its flush with the base of the gauge. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Its important that the pin is in contact with the bottom of the tread channel, meaning that the measurement pin is spanning the full height of the tread that youre measuring. These recessed strips are called the tread channels or grooves, and its the lowest point of your tires circumference. For another method in measuring your tires remaining tread depth, use a tire tread depth gauge. Safety! Finding your tire size is simple. [4] Thats twice the distance it takes brand-new tires to come to a complete stop, given the same starting conditions. A tire with a tread depth of 4/32nds of an inch will generally stop half again as fast as a new tire. Doing so will ensure you get an accurate tread depth measurement. The minimum tread depth is when your tires are so low that theyre dangerous to use. If you can see all of Lincolns head, your tire tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch, and it's time to replace your tires. CO2CO_2CO2 is cooled at constant pressure as it flows in the pipe and the temperature of CO2CO_2CO2 drops to 450 K at the exit. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. But as you can see in the video, even 2/32 of an inch of tire tread isn't a great . If the tread is even and smooth with the tread bar, then your tread is worn, and you need to replace your tires. Note the depth and repeat the process at various points on the tire, taking the smallest reading as the definitive one. He also has a little project Miata build going on the side. Basic checks like these take just a few minutes and can help save lives. Once you are at your vehicle, write down the following highlighted numbers located on your sidewall in the order shown below. Still, the penny test is the best option if youre trying to get the optimal mileage out of your tires. Experts agree that this constitutes a once-a-month check of the treads, although, with brand new tires, you can probably get away with bi-monthly inspections. So, you might be wondering why you should check your tire tread depth, and thats a valid question. According to Continental Tires, the average tread depth of a new tire is about 10/32 to 11/32 of an inch, or about 8 to 9 millimeters. If the top of Lincolns head is exposed, you need to have your tires replaced. To use the gauge, fully extend the rod and insert it into one of the grooves. There are a few different ways to tell if your tire tread isnt up to par, from simple visuals using a coin to handy tools that will tell you the tread. Do not drive in the rain if your tread is less than, In many countries and most US states, driving with a tire tread under. Let us guide you there. Tire Guides and Advice that make the Grade. Checking your tire treads can help keep you safer on the road. You can use the last four digits of the Tire Identification Number (TIN) on the wall of your tire to help determine the age of your tire (e.g., 2613 means the tire was manufactured in the 26th week of 2013).3, But age is not the only factor. If minor cracking is present on only a few tread sections, you can safely operate your vehicle but should keep an eye on the cracking. The Land Rover mileage-based system indicates when and what service your car needs. This wear can be gauged by measuring tread depth, which is the vertical distance between the highest point on the treads pattern to the lowest point in the patterns grooves. 800-667-8138 Hours: But as you can see in the video, even 2/32 of an inch of tire tread isnt a great idea. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. We recommend new tires at 4/32. When you know what to look for, these simple inspections will help shield you from tire-related incidents, and the stress and money that they drain from you. All Rights Reserved. Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. With the current reality of more employees working from home through the pandemic, is your business ready for all the implications? For the best experience, please consider upgrading to the most current version of your browser. Its always better to replace your tires sooner rather than later. If youre using a quarter, do the same thing with George Washingtons face. Step 2: Use the penny to check tread depth around the tire. When is the last time you checked your tires tread depth? For example, if you fill your tires with 2.0 bar at 25 in summer, the air pressure decreases to 1.7 - 1.8 bar at -5 during winter. The only downside is that youll be wasting time and money by replacing them so prematurely. However, in many cases a tire with a tread depth of 2/32nds of an inch will take nearly twice as long to stop on a wet roadway as a new tire with full tread depth. We're sorry. An ex-salesman of industrial equipment, Shawn used to drive nearly 60K miles a year just commuting to clients. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Do You Need To Rotate Tires Every 5000 Miles? Typical tread depth gauges will measure in 32nds of an inch, or 25-26 in millimeters. You should be looking at an upside-down Lincoln. Repeat the penny test in several grooves of your tires. Your tires are also more likely to burst if you drive on weathered tread, which can lead to a crash. Thankfully, a U.S. quarter has a distance of roughly 4/32 of an inch from the edge to the top of Washingtons head. Last Updated: October 7, 2021 If the tread touches Washington's head, you have at least 4/32 inch of tread remaining. That is certainly true. This type pattern indicates accelerated wear and can cause tire damage. Just let us know how we can help you. [15] For the sake of convenience, always keep a quarter or a penny in your cars cup holder, ashtray, or center console. Most new tires come with a feature built into the design of the tread pattern called awear bar. Youll notice a common theme with most tires. Youre using an outdated browser. from each edge and the depth of the center tread. Howard specializes in full-service auto repair and tire replacement and care for domestic/imported vehicles and large trucks. to walk you through the process. If all of Washingtons head is visible, your tread depth is less than 4/32 of an inch, and you should consider replacing your tires within the next few thousand miles. Programma di Stabilit dell'Italia 2016. A regular car maintenance routine can help protect the value and safety of your car. vehicle, write down the following highlighted numbers located on For an added measure of safety, consider replacing your tires at 4/32. Your safety depends on it. How To Check Tire Tread: Instantly Find Out How Much Tread Is Left Press the tire pressure gauge squarely against the valve stem to get a pressure reading. Step 2: Check the tire pressure at each wheel with a tire pressure gauge. The correct size information is important for accurate results. Is It OK To Rotate Tires Every 10,000 Miles? Check for any bulges on the tire tread section. Will has been an automotive enthusiast since he was old enough to make engine sounds. Enter the third number on your tire's sidewall as highlighted below. Tips to Check Tire Tread | Travelers Insurance Just barely! How Often Should You Check Your Tire Tread? - TireGrades This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The penny test (shown below) is the easy way to check a tire treads depth when you dont have a depth gauge. Inflate the tires with an air compressor if the pressure is too low. Pay attention to how your brakes sound and feel. Your tires tread plays a crucial role in performance and safety when you drive. Uneven wear could create driving issues or problems for the new tires. Your tires tread depth is critical to the safety of your vehicle on wet roads. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Turn the quarter upside down with Washingtons head facing you. However, some tire manufactures and tire shops now say that 4/32 of an inch is about as shallow as you want your treads. But the additional 2/32 of wear doubles that performance loss for a very small amount of additional mileage. Their height is 2/32nds of an inch above the lowest point of the groove, which is the depth at which the U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing a tire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends checking your vehicles tires at least once a month. The shaft with the measurement markings will slide upward as you push the foot down and show you the depth of the tread. Automotive Tire & Repair Specialist. Monitor the tread using the penny test to make sure your tread doesn't get dangerously low. This will zero the tool and get the pin out of the way. Once you get down to below 4/32, you run a much higher risk of being unable to come to a stop quickly enough or hydroplaning and getting into a serious accident. You Should Check Your Tire Tread Every Month - NHTSA The NHTSA states that you should check tire tread depth monthly. Would you like to see tires for this SIZE or start a new search? This is when laws will force you to change your tires, and its well past the point when experts will suggest you replace your tires. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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