How To Check My Tires Tread

In order to keep your drive safe and comfortable, it’s important to keep an eye on the health of your tires. One of the crucial parts you’ll want to keep track of is your tire’s tread depth.

Our team at Energy County Ford wants to help our drivers in Port Arthur and Nederland, Texas, and Lake Charles, Louisiana, feel confident behind the wheel. To do so, we’ve put together a handy guide on what tread depth is. We’ll answer your question: How can I check my tire tread at home?

What Is Tread Depth?

To understand why tread depth is important, let’s first look at what tread is. Your tire’s tread is what helps your vehicle grip the road, making it easier to steer and brake. Healthy treads are especially important when driving in rain, snow, or icy conditions

As you drive, the tread begins to wear down. Once it's worn down enough, it’s time to get new tires.

Most new tires start off with a tread depth of 10/32 inches or 12/32 inches, with some off-road tires going as high as 15/32 inches. A tire is considered worn down, or “bald” when it reaches 2/32 inches.

It’s recommended you check your tire tread at least once a month, and to monitor it closely once it reaches 4/32 inches deep. As for how to check tread depth, there are a few ways to go about it.

Tread Depth Gauge

One of the most straightforward ways of measuring tread depth is with a tread depth gauge. This is a tool made specifically for measuring tread depth in 1/32 of an inch.

To measure, place the needle-like tip of the gauge between the tread “ribs” and push down. Once the base of the gauge meets the tread, you’ll be able to see your tread depth on the measuring scale that extends from the back of the gauge.

On-Tire Tread Wear Indicators

If you don’t have any tools handy, no worries. Most tires come with a built-in wear indicator. This usually takes the form of an indicator bar, which us a raised bar of rubber between the tread ribs. The bar sits at 2/32 inches high, so you know once the treads are flush with the bar, it’s time for new tires.

The Coin Test

If you have difficulty locating the wear bar or other indicators on your tire, all you need is a coin to measure your tread depth; a penny or quarter will do. Insert one of the coins between the tread ribs, upside down, with the head side facing you.

If you’re using a penny and the tread covers Lincoln’s head, you’re good for now. If you can see all Honest Abe’s head, it’s time for new wheels. If you use a quarter and the tread touches Washington’s head, there’s at least 4/32 inches remaining. If the tread doesn’t touch, then, we cannot tell a lie—you need new tires.

Regardless of how you choose to measure your tread depth, remember to check all four tires and to check each tire in multiple places. If parts of the tire are wearing down faster than others it could be a sign of over- or under-inflation, misalignment, or other issues.

Our Service Center

If you measure your tire tread and discover you need new wheels, contact our service center. Our trained team of technicians are ready to help you with tire replacements, rotations, repairs, or realignment.

You can even use our website’s virtual tire finder to find the right set of new tires for you. Just enter basic information about your vehicle and types of tires you’re looking for. You can even narrow your search by brand!

Check Your Tread Depth Today!

Checking your tread depth often is important to keep you driving around Port Arthur and Nederland, TX, and Lake Charles, LA, for years to come. If you think you need new tires, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact our team at Energy County Ford today!