How to Check Tire Tread Depth

Drivers from Apex to Carrboro are wondering, “how do I check tire tread wear?” With this comprehensive guide from Hendrick Dodge Cary, you can learn how to maintain your vehicle’s tires. Read on to learn more about how to check tire tread depth from the service team at Hendrick Dodge Cary!

Tire Tread Depth: Standard Information

How do I check tire tread wear? Typically new tires have a depth from 10/32 to 11/32 of an inch – around a third of an inch. These dimensions apply to standard tires. If you are operating a vehicle with off-road tires, winter tires, or have a vehicle that requires specialized tires, you may have deeper grooves in your treads.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has a standardized recommendation for when to replace your tires: when the tire tread depth is down to 2/32 of an inch. To make sure you are driving safely on Chapel Hill roads, be prepared to change your tires at this point.

How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear?

Knowing how to check tire tread depth accurately is important. Fortunately, many tires have “tread wear bars” (among other numbers) installed that tell you when you should change your tires. In other cases, the popular “Penny Test” is a simple way for Cary area drivers to learn how to check tire tread depth. Read on to explore the Penny Test steps:

• Insert a penny in the groove, with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing you.
• The tread depth should cover Lincoln’s entire face. If this isn’t the case, you probably are looking at 2/32 of an inch or less.
• Keep in mind that a penny doesn’t have the accuracy of a ruler, so always double-check your measurements. Remember to check all of your tires each time you do a test as well.

More Tire Inspection Tips

Caring for tires is a holistic job, going beyond just knowing how to check tire tread depth. Here’s a checklist for a full tire inspection:

• Tire pressure check
• Look for visible damage to the tread or sidewalls of tires
• Look out for disintegration or tire rot
• See if the wear is uneven

Hendrick Dodge Cary Is Here for Cary Drivers

Confident that you now know how to check tire tread depth? Still wondering “how do I check tire tread wear?” Here at Hendrick Dodge Cary, it is our mission to keep drivers safe on Cary roads. Whether you’re in need of a new reliable vehicle and want to browse our extensive online inventory or you’re interested in viewing vehicle service videos for information on checking transmission fluid and more, we’re here to help.