Looking to answer the question “How do I check tire tread wear?” It’s really very easy to check the tire depth on your car by simply using a ruler or a penny. Learn more from the tire experts at Suntrup Automotive Group.
The tread depth of a new tire is generally 10/32 to 11/32 of an inch, or about a third of an inch. Winter tires, off-road tires, and some truck and SUV tires often have even deeper tread grooves.
The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing your tires when the tire tread depth gets down to about 2/32 of an inch. Making sure that your tires have the correct tread depth will ensure that you enjoy safe driving in the St. Louis area, and by having your tires routinely rotated, you can even extend the life of your tires.
The best way to measure tire tread depth is with a ruler, but if you’re out-and-about, a penny will do the trick. Follow these steps to check the tread depth remaining on your tires:
There are special tools, such as a tire tread depth gauge, that you can use to check your tires. Many tires also come with tread wear bars that have a visible mark built into the tire which indicates the 2/32 inch mark. Whenever you check your tire tread depth, you should also:
The certified technicians at your local Suntrup Automotive Group service center can take care of all your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and more. Check out our car care tips, or learn how to reset a check engine light, or find out how to remove a car battery at home.
Then, explore our service specials to find money-saving deals on a wide range of vehicle maintenance services. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us today!
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