How deep should tire tread be

In the UK the minimum depth for tire tread is 00456 inches 116 mm across the central 34 of the tread around the whole tire. Tires are worn-out when they reach 232-inch but as the chart below shows you dont need to go.

Must-Haves for Every Car.

How deep should tire tread be. The typical new tire used on automobiles is measured with 1032 to 1132 of tread depth. With wintersnow and light truck tires the tread is deeper because this depends on the tires tread type which is either the Highway Rib Highway All-Season Off-Road All-Terrain or Off-Road Maximum Traction. New tires typically start with a tread depth of 1032 to 1232 with some off-road tires topping 1532.

New tire tread depth is the measurement typically published by tire manufacturers but its not the same as usable tire tread depth. Most states and tire manufacturers consider tires to be bald when one or more of their grooves are worn down to 232. So if you start with a new tire tread depth of 1032 the actual usable tread depth is 832.

You should monitor your tire tread depth closely once it reaches 432 inch deep. If you want to check it yourself heres how to assess your tread depth. The Penny Tire Test There are several popular ways to check your tire tread depth.

Interpreting tire tread depth as it relates to traction and safety. Keep in mind that even if your tires have more than the minimum 232 of tread depth remaining or even 432 thats not reason to put your tire situation to back of mind and move on. Tire tread depth is critical to driving safety in a variety of road conditions.

Consider these variable stopping distances on wet roads according to tire tread depth. New tires typically come with 1032 or 1132 tread depths and some truck SUV and winter tires may have deeper tread depths than other models. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires when they reach 232 and many states legally require tires to be replaced at this depth.

For tire geeks a half-tread depth tire has typically 532- to 632-inch of tread depth remaining. Tires are worn-out when they reach 232-inch but as the chart below shows you dont need to go. While the minimum safe tire tread depth is 232 consider replacing your tires at the 432 mark especially if you drive in rainy and snowy conditions.

A recent Consumer Reports study of tires worn down to half of their original tread depth about 532 found increased risk of hydroplaning longer stop time in the rain and reduced snow traction. The Tire Racks advice is that if rain and wet roads are a concern you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 432 of remaining tread depth. Since water cant be compressed you need enough tread depth to allow the rain to escape through the tires grooves.

Tyre tread depth has to be above 16mm to be legal. This must be the case for the middle three quarters of the tyre. There are three ways to check this.

How to check tyre tread depth the 20p test. The 20p test is a simple quick and easy way of checking the tyre tread of your cars wheels. To gauge tread depth all you need is a quarter.

Put George Washingtons head into one of the big grooves. If the top of his head is flush with the tread you have about 432 inch of tread left. According to most states laws tires are legally worn out when they have worn down to 232 of remaining tread depth.

If you think your tires may be close to needing replacement have them checked out by a licensed mechanic. Must-Haves for Every Car. For example a typical tire that starts with 1032 of original tread depth has only 832 of useable tread depth.

Its useable tread depth is calculated by subtracting a worn out tires 232 from the new tires original depth of 1032. The final 232 of a tires tread depth. New tires have a tread depth of 1032 or 1132 of an inch.

Winter tires and tires that are meant for off-roading usually have deeper tread depth for improved traction. The more you drive your tires will eventually become subject to wear and tear resulting in shrinking tread depth. States tires are considered to be legally worn out when they have decreased to 116 inch 016 cm of their remaining tread depth.

In the UK the minimum depth for tire tread is 00456 inches 116 mm across the central 34 of the tread around the whole tire. 2 Replace your tires if the tread bar is flush with the tire tread. Just 2 millimeters means its time for a new tire while more than 5 millimeters is enough for most cars - anything in between depends on whether you expect the tire to perform well in the rain meaning you need 4 millimeters or the snow 5 millimeters or more is best.

Its your car and your call. While a tire tread depth gauge is the best way to get an accurate measurement of remaining tread a US. Lincoln penny can also be used to quickly approximate whether a tire needs to be replaced.

For reference a new tire has around 1032 tread depth depending on the manufacturer and model. Check Tread Depth with a Penny. If the tread is less than 3 mm deep you should get them replaced.

Im not sure if dealers replace tires. The car is should still be under warranty so you would be best ringing up your local dealer. If the tread covers Washingtons head that generally means the tire still has at least 432 of an inch of tread or enough for safe driving.

If you can see all of Washingtons dome head to.