How to Check Tire Tread Depth

The amount of remaining tread on your tires can tell you a lot about your car’s performance and safety, so how do I check my tire tread wear? Learning how to check your tire tread depth isn’t difficult, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. In fact, you can learn how to check your tire tread depth with a penny! Learn more about tire care with our team at Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle, and be sure to stop by New Rochelle for your next service! 

Why Does Tire Tread Wear Matter? 

The tread on your tires is responsible for gripping the Larchmont and Mamaroneck roads. When you have a new set of tires, your tread can easily handle everything from smooth highways to snow-covered streets. But after miles and miles of commuting, the rubber tread breaks down. Shallow tread can’t provide the traction that you need. This is especially true in inclement weather conditions, like snow and ice, which is why learning how to check your tire tread depth at home is crucial.

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth? 

When you purchase a new set of tires, you’ll usually have around 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch (about a third of an inch) of tread remaining. Sometimes winter tires, off-road tires, truck tires, and SUV tires have deeper grooves and a few other features for added grip. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you should replace your tires when the tread depth measures 2/32 of an inch. 

How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear with a Penny?

If you have a spare penny, you’re only seconds away from measuring your tread depth! How do I check tire tread wear with a penny? 

1. Insert the penny with the top of Lincoln’s head facing down into a tire tread groove.
2. If Lincoln’s head is covered and no longer visible between the grooves, you have enough tread remaining.
3. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire treads are 2/32 inches deep or less and it’s time to replace them.
4. Repeat this process on all four tires and in multiple locations on each tire.

How to Check Tire Tread Depth Using a Gauge or Tread Bars

A penny might be the cheapest way to check your tire tread, but it’s not the only way. Here are a few other methods to try:

• Tread Depth Gauge: If you want a more specialized tool, pick up a tire depth gauge from our parts department or any Bronxville-area auto parts store. Just push the gauge into your tread groove, press the top bar flat, and read the output in seconds.
• Tread Wear Bars: Some tires include built-in tread wear indicator bars, embedded directly into the tread grooves. When your tire tread wears down and your bars are flush with the tire surface, that means it’s time for a replacement tire.

Get Expert Tire Care with Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle

Whether you want to schedule a tire inspection or find a replacement set of tires, the team at Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle is here for all of your automotive needs! Contact us with questions about what we can do for you, or just stop by our dealership in New Rochelle.