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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. In the United States, tire tread is typically measured in 32nds of an inch. If youre using a quarter, do the same thing with George Washingtons face. Tires are important to a driver's safety primarily because It's important to check your vehicle's tire tread regularly. Most new tires come with a feature built into the design of the tread pattern called awear bar. Finding your tire size is simple. After checking your tire pressure a few times, youll recall the right pressure by memory. It gives the tire a silhouette similar to that of a circular saw blade, with its teeth smoothed over on one side and sharp on the other. Hold it in the same way so that Washingtons face is facing you and hes upside-down. Safe to say, Shawn has slain a few tires in his days. It can also simply indicate the need to perform a tire rotation. Safety factor tires - Why you should check tire pressure, contact You can do the same test with a quarter to measure tire tread. Tires that are under-inflated or over-inflated can feel loose when steering and will have an increased stopping distance in panic braking situations. If your tread depth reads 2/32 inches of less, it's time to replace your tires. Why Is My Tire Pressure Light Still On After Filling Tires? For the best experience, please consider upgrading to the most current version of your browser. If there are fine cracks, its a normal part of a tire aging, but they should be monitored regularly to prevent encountering a dangerous driving situation. If there is hissing from the valve stem as air leaks out, adjust the tire pressure gauge more squarely on the valve stem to seal it off. If youve never had a tire replaced, the tread should be identical on all 4 of your tires. So, if youre not quite sure how to check a tire tread, read on to find out. However, many tire professionals now recommend replacing tires when their tread depth reaches 4/32nds of an inch instead of 2/32nds. Another easy coin test to measure tread depth is the quarter test. Go behind the speeds. Items puncturing the tire may actually leak very slowly because the puncture is plugged with the object, though it still needs to be replaced very soon. [1] This amount of wear is when most experts suggest that you should change your tires before they become too bald and dangerous. Vehicle System: (electrical, exhaust, engine, interior, etc). But one thing that no car owner should be without is the ability to check a tire tread. One of the main functions of the grooves in tires is to push water or slush out from under it, or to bite into snow-packed roads, and shallow grooves do not do this job nearly as well as deeper ones. If the tread touches Washington's head, you have at least 4/32 of an inch of tread remaining. C. tires are the only contacts to the road When you know what to look for, these simple inspections will help shield you from tire-related incidents, and the stress and money that they drain from you. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. With this gauge, youre simply seeing how far the measurement pin was pushed down. 3 Essential Things to Know About Your Cars Rims, How to Know if You Need a Wheel Alignment, Understanding Jeep Oil Change Indicator Lights, Understanding the Chrysler Oil Change Indicator and Service Indicator Lights, Understanding Land Rover Service Indicator Lights, I have gotten my ball joints replaced and a new spindle and my wheel still keep coming off the ball joint keep coming apart. Always replace your tires at the same time. Every tire must have treads, which help in gripping and traction. Log in to MyTravelers, http://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa/Safety1nNum3ers/june2013/SafteyInNumbersJune2013.html, http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811617.pdf, http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-safe-are-worn-tires/index.htm, Older Car Maintenance in 5 Steps [Infographic], What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down [Video], 3-Second Rule for Safe Following Distance [Video], How to Drive Safely in Strong Wind and Rain [Video]. To use this method, take a penny and hold it so the engraving of Abraham Lincolns head points downward. How Fast Can You Drive On A Patched Tire? You may find fine cracks or wide cracks. Nails, screws, pieces of metal, and large rocks can be embedded in your tire, puncturing the liner and causing a leak. Push the penny as far down as it goes, then inspect how much of Lincoln you can see. Please enter a valid U.S. address and try again. When you want to know how thick your tire treads are, you want to know the total distance from the bottom of the main deep tread grooves to the top of your tread blocks (the tread surface). A. worn tires Visually look for metal or fabric strands sticking out of your tire. The lower part of the ball joint is inserted into the control arm (retained by a circular clip) and the upper part is inserted into the Get a fair & transparent quote instantly before booking. We couldn't find this location in the U.S. or Canada. Each time you check another portion of the tire, rotate the coin so that Abraham Lincolns hair is always pointing towards the center of the rim. Measure the tread depth about 1 in. Even if you buy tires with a life span of 50,000 miles, this style of driving can take miles off their life span. The difference in wet weather performance between 4/32 and 2/32 is drastic. The minimum tread depth is when your tires are so low that theyre dangerous to use. Then, press down on the handle. While there is no national law in the U.S. specifying minimum legal tread depth, most state laws require a tire to have at a tread depth of at least 2/32nds of an inch. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Here is how you can measure your tires tread. costs, Optimize fleet uptime and compliance via mobile vehicle repairs, Partner with us to simplify and scale fleet maintenance, The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Step 5: Note any inconsistencies in tread depth on each tire. Tyre tread depth and tyre safety checks | RAC Drive Place the point of the gauge in between the tires and press the shoulders onto the tread. Because tires wear unevenly, measurements should be taken in different locations around the tire. Insert a penny into your tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. The penny test is an accurate way to measure whether tire tread depth surpasses or falls short of 2/32nds of an inch, since 2/32nds of an inch is the universally standard distance between the top of Lincolns head and the edge of the coin (see above for an explanation of how to do the test). It is caused by the two piece driveshaft slip joint binding up when the two shafts slide in and out of each other. If minor cracking is present on only a few tread sections, you can safely operate your vehicle but should keep an eye on the cracking. The distance from the edge of the coin to the top of Lincolns head is about 2/32, which is the minimum tread depth you can safely have on your tires. Jonathon Klein: Twitter (@jonathon.klein), Instagram (@jonathon_klein), Tony Markovich: Twitter (@T_Marko), Instagram (@t_marko), Chris Teague: Twitter (@TeagueDrives), Instagram (@TeagueDrives), Big Red Torin Steel Jack Stands, 6-Ton Capacity, Got a question? This is especially true if you habitually drive in wet, slushy, or muddy conditions. *Quotes may not be available in all states or for all products. Select the number that matches your trailer tire sidewall. How To Check Tire Tread: Instantly Find Out How Much Tread Is Left Idaho and Californias limit is at 1/32 of an inch to pass a safety test, while six states (Montana, New Mexico, Arkansas, North Dakota, West Virginia, and South Carolina) have no statewide standards regarding tread depth. Do I Have To Get New Tires With New Rims? If the silver section is covered, youve worn your tires approximately halfway down. In CA, quotes for all products must be obtained through a local independent agent. D. underinflated tires, Tread wear indicators Tire problems are thought to be a factor in one out of 11 vehicle crashes.1Blowouts, tread separation, under inflation, and worn treadsthe grooves in your tires that offer stability and tractionare some of the tire problems associated with these crashes. Uneven wear can occur either around the tire or across the contact patch. Keep in mind, even if your tires pass . This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. For uniformity reasons, its best to replace all of your tires at the same time if you can. Legally, the minimum tread depth is going to vary from state to state: When your treads get down to 2/32, your stopping distance increases by 100% when panic braking on wet roads. Then they have to spend big bucks to replace them. A. 6. The penny test (shown below) is the easy way to check a tire tread's depth when you don't have a depth gauge. Keeping your car running safely into six-digit mileage requires proper care and maintenance from the start. Whichever method you use, you need to check the tread depth at various points around the tires circumference. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. The grooves in your tire tread are what allow water to escape from underneath the contact patch of your tires. When should you use your low beam headlights At all times 23. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. According to some experts, the penny test doesnt leave a deep enough tread to provide adequate traction in wet or snowy weather. 4 June 2021. and see if the tire needs replacing. All Rights Reserved. Finding your tire size is simple. Put the base of the tread depth gauge on top of two tread blocks. Kelsey's law requires that a driver on a level _____ License may not use their cell phone while One learners and two intermediate 22. Select the correct metric notation. However, you can diagnose tire problems and correct them early by performing three critical tire maintenance chores: checking the tire pressure, measuring the tread depth regularly, and rotating tires every 6,000 miles. Remove the valve stem cap from the valve stem by turning it counterclockwise. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Like the area between the tread blocks, minor cracking is normal due to weathering but cracks exposing inner tire layers are a serious condition requiring tire replacement. Your safety depends on it. The Land Rover mileage-based system indicates when and what service your car needs. Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. If you place the quarter upside down on the tire, and you can see the top of Washingtons head, you need to replace it. Learn how with our guide, Tire pressure is equally as important as the tread. While holding the body of the tread depth gauge, not the top indicator, align the small indicator dial at the bottom between your tires treads. If all of Washingtons head is visible, your tread depth is less than 4/32 of an inch, and you should consider replacing your tires within the next few thousand miles. * How can you find out the proper PSI number for the vehicle? If there are wide cracks where you can see the steel belts or woven fabric, your tire is not safe to drive on. Read more. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The minimum legal limit for tire tread depth is 2/32 of inch, but its best not to wait that long to replace your tires. Studies also show that traction and stopping power drop significantly from a tire with 4/32nds of an inch of tread to one with 2/32nds of an inch, and most experts agree that it is best to begin looking to replace tires when they fall below the larger of the two depths. The Jeep Oil Change Indicator lets you know when and what service your car needs. While you're checking your tire tread, it's a good idea to do an inspection of the tire by rubbing your hand across it and feeling for defects or issues. Comment below and lets talk! If you change your vehicle or tire size, the tire in your cart will be removed. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 288,767 times. Looks like you previously searched for tires for a: Would you like to see tires for this VEHICLE or start a new search? Keep in mind, if youre at the wear bars, its already time to replace your tires. The experts at CR show you how to check your tires so you'll know exactly when to replace them. Let Goodyear tire professionals help you find out what your tire size is. Step 1: Visually inspect your tire tread for anything that doesnt belong. Send us a note: guidesandgear@thedrive.com. Think about it: if youre approaching a stopped car, every foot between you and them matters. Directional tires may not have deep grooves that run around the entire circumference of the tire tread, but they will still have deep grooves as well as some smaller grooves to help improve grip. This often costs $50-100 and can be done in under 2 hours if the mechanic isnt busy. For the sake of convenience, always keep a quarter or a penny in your cars cup holder, ashtray, or center console. This is how thick your tread is in this area. Rather than using a penny, AAA suggests using a quarter for the test instead. Step 3: Adjust the tire pressure as needed. Ensuring you are driving a safe vehicle is important not only for your own safety but for other people on the road as well. Look for egg-sized lumps that feel softer than the rest of the tire when pressed. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tires are completely worn out and need to be replaced stat. Some spare change is really all you need. Archivi. 24 Months. Check the pressure reading on the gauge and compare it to the recommended pressure you found earlier. Formerly a member of the contract training team at Discount Tire, he is unusually knowledgeable on all things related to tires. Before you conduct any of these tests, make sure your vehicle is in the park, the ignition is off, and the parking brake is engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Howard is often referred to as The Car Guy for local TV stations and is a regular on TVs Channel 3 Sunday, Good Morning Arizona monthly. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). In one study, vehicles with shallower treads (less than 2/32 deep) were 3 times more likely to experience pre-crash tire troubles than those with deeper treads.4, While the minimum safe tire tread depth is 2/32, consider replacing your tires at the 4/32 mark, especially if you drive in rainy and snowy conditions. How Long Can You Drive With Low Tire Pressure? The penny test (shown below) is the easy way to check a tire treads depth when you dont have a depth gauge. [4] But it has been so long I forgot how to read the penny upside down to test. * What is the legal minimum tread depth in the United States? Checking your tire treads with U.S. currency is about as easy as you can get. With only a quarter, or the right device designed for the job, it takes mere seconds, though theres no reason to check tire tread every single day. How to Check Tire Tread Depth? - 4 Simple Ways - PPMC TRANSPORT This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. For that, you'll need protection.. Research source, Tip: If you arent sure how old your tires are but they were made after 2000, look for a string of embossed letters and numbers printed directly on the tire. guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance Just choose an area where youll be able to see the penny. Looking for tire related content? While youre checking your tire tread, its a good idea to do an inspection of the tire by rubbing your hand across it and feeling for defects or issues. Learn the signs on when your tires should be replaced from the professionals at Goodyear. Doing so will ensure you get an accurate tread depth measurement. For an added measure of safety, consider replacing your tires at 4/32. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3" }).render("00499ba9282e4d1b985fa8af14d29c2b"); }); You can pick up a tire tread depth gauge at any auto parts store. Example: The size of the tire below is 35/12.5/17. Tires age whether they are driven on or notbe sure to check tires on recreation vehicles, trailers, collector cars, community vehicles and 15-passenger vans, too. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Hydroplaningcan occur even with new tires, but worn tires make it much more likely to occur at speeds as low as 35 mph or even lower. The only downside is that youll be wasting time and money by replacing them so prematurely. Though it may not leak immediately, it is unsafe to operate your car with a tire separation. If you typically drive between 12,000-15,000 miles per year, you should plan on changing your tires every 3-5 years or between 40,000-60,000 miles. Like a pair of sneakers that get more slippery with use, your tires lose their ability to grip the road as their treads wear down. C. are usually broken Our certified mobile mechanics perform over 600 services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools.