How to Check Tire Tread Depth

The purpose of your tire treads is to grip the road while you’re driving, which maintains the right amount of traction between your vehicle and the road. It’s particularly important to maintain proper tire tread depth if you live in an area with inclement weather that results in hazardous road conditions. However, you should make sure you routinely check your tire tread wear no matter where you love.

So, if you find yourself asking, “How do I check tire tread wear?”, you’re in luck! The service team at Tate Branch Carlsbad Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram has put together a guide outlining a few different methods for checking your tire tread depth at home–most of them don’t require anything more than a penny or a ruler. Check it out, then browse our service tips and tricks for more helpful information on maintaining your vehicle!

What Is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth?

The recommended tire tread depth is anything over 2/32 of an inch – anything less, and you should replace your tires as soon as possible. Standard new tires usually have a tire tread depth of between 10/32 and 11/32 of an inch, while winter and off-roading tires will have more tread so they can grip the road more easily. The more you drive around Las Cruces, the more your tires will wear out. Taking proper care of your tires can prolong the need for replacement.

How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear?

The easiest way to check your tire tread depth from home uses either a ruler or a common U.S. penny. If you use a ruler, you can most accurately measure your tire tread depth thanks to the inch markings, but the penny method is an easy and convenient alternative. Once you’ve found a penny, follow these steps:

1. Insert the penny into a tire tread groove, Lincoln head-first.
2. Check to see if Lincoln’s head is still visible between the grooves.
3. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, that means the tire treads have worn down to 2/32 inches or less, meaning it’s time to get them replaced.
4. Repeat the same process on all of your tires. You might also consider performing the test in multiple locations on each tire just to make sure.

Other Ways to Check Your Tire Tread Depth

If you want to use a different method to check your tire tread depth, there are two other methods you can try:

• Tread Depth Gauge: You can purchase a tread depth gauge at almost any auto parts store in the El Paso area. Insert the probe into the shallowest tire tread groove and press the top bar of the gauge flat against the tire to reveal the tread wear rating.
• Tread Wear Bars: You can find your tires’ tread wear bars at the bottom of the tread grooves in multiple locations across the tires. If the bars are flush with the surrounding tire ribs, this means that the tread depth has reached 2/32 of an inch and needs to be replaced.

Keep Your Tires in Top Condition With Tate Branch Carlsbad Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram

If your tires are in need of replacing, you can schedule a service appointment right from our website and we’ll have you back on the Pecos roads in no time! Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions, or stop by our service center to talk to an expert in person.