As your only point of contact with the Lincoln streets, your tires need to be cared for diligently. If you’re concerned about car care, you may have heard about tire tread depth. But what is tire tread depth and why is it so important? Essentially, your tire treads grip the road and enable you to keep control during your commute from Seward to Milford.

Naturally, over time, your tire tread depth will diminish, lessening your traction. So, it’s a good idea to learn how to check tire tread depth to ensure your travels remain safe and secure. Read on below with our service team if you’ve been asking, “How do I check tire tread wear?”

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth?

When you purchase new tires, generally they’ll have a tread depth of about 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch (about a third of an inch). Many winter tires, off-roading tires, truck tires, and SUV tires have deeper grooves, so it’s wise to check when you make your purchase.

So, how do you know when you need a new set? According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, if your tread depth is measuring at 2/32 of an inch or less, you need to replace your tires. Below, you will learn how to check tire tread depth to stay safe on the Crete streets!

How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear At Home?: The Penny Test

While a ruler is going to give you exact measurements, if you have a penny on hand, you can measure your tread depth! The design of the U.S penny makes it the perfect reference tool for safe tread depth. At this point, you may be wondering, “How do I check tire tread wear with a penny?” Here’s how:

1. Insert the penny with Lincoln’s head down into one of the tire tread grooves.
2. Look to see if Lincoln’s head is covered and no longer visible in between the grooves.
3. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire tread is below the 2/32 inches mark, meaning you’re due for a replacement.
4. Repeat this test in multiple locations on each tire.

What Are Other Ways to Check Your Tire Tread Depth?

If you don’t have a penny nearby, don’t worry. You can learn how to check tire tread depth with the following tools:

• Tread Depth Gauge: This tool is designed specifically for measuring tire tread depth and can be purchased at any automotive repair store. First, insert the probe into the shallowest tread groove. Next, press the top bar of the gauge flat against the tire to get a treadwear rating.
• Tread Wear Bars: Generally, new tires will have indicator bars built into them. You can spot these at the bottom of the tread grooves in multiple locations around the tire. If the bars are level with the surrounding grooves, you’re ready to replace your tires.

Service Your Tires With Sid Dillon Chevrolet Crete

If you’ve found that your tires are worn-out after measuring your tread depth, not to worry! You can turn to Sid Dillon Chevrolet Crete for affordable replacements. We carry a strong selection of high-quality tires to restore your confidence behind the wheel. If you have lingering questions about checking your tire tread or you want to know about our selection of new tires, contact us today!