How to Check Tire Tread Depth

A common question we hear at Sid Dillon is, “How do I check tire tread wear?” If you are wondering how to check tire tread depth, you are not alone. Fortunately, this is an easy task to perform right from your Omaha driveway. All you need is a ruler or a penny to ensure that your tires have enough tread to travel safely on the roads of Lincoln. 

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth? 

Most new tires have a tread depth of about 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch (about a third of an inch). If you drive a truck or an SUV, you do a lot of off-roading, or you have equipped your vehicle with winter tires, your tires may have even deeper tread grooves.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch, your tires should be replaced. Having the proper tire tread depth is essential to safe driving in Lincoln.

How to Check Tire Tread Depth with a Penny

For the most accurate results, you should measure tire tread depth with a ruler. However, if you do not have a ruler on hand, a penny can also do the trick. Why use a penny? The design on the U.S. penny makes it ideal for measuring tread depth. Here is how you can use a penny to check tire tread wear. 

1. Insert a penny with Lincoln head-first into a tire tread groove.
2. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head between the grooves, the tread depth of your tires is 2/32 inches deep or less. If this is the case, you should replace your tires as soon as possible. 
3. Check multiple locations on the tire, and repeat the steps above for the other tires on your vehicle. 

How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear Without a Ruler or Penny? 

What if you are unable to find a ruler or penny? There are a few other ways to check tire tread depth:

• Tread Depth Gauge: Insert the probe of the gauge into the shallowest tread groove. Press the top bar of the gauge flat against the tire to see the tread wear rating.
• Tread Wear Bars:Most tires feature tread wear indicator bars at the bottom of the tread grooves in multiple spots on the tire. If you observe that the bars are flush with the tire ribs around them, your tires are in need of replacement .

Prolong the Life of Your Tires with Sid Dillon

If you want your tires to last as long as possible on the roads of Fremont, proper maintenance is a must. When your vehicle is in need of a tire rotation, wheel alignment, or wheel balance, you can trust the highly-skilled technicians at Sid Dillon. Set up your next appointment or contact us for more information.