How to Check Your Tires Tread?

How to Check Your Tires Tread? | Rogers Tire

Each tire, regardless of design or the vehicle it fits, consists of a base of rubber with tread added over it. The tread of the tire is the textured, raised section that meets the road when you drive. While you may take your tire treads for granted, failing to check them on a regular basis could leave you at risk for blowouts, slow leaks, and other issues. Learn how to check your tires for tread life and other signs of trouble, or drop in to Rogers Tire if you're looking for tire repair near me.

Why Does Tire Tread Matter?

Consider that the treads of your tires are the only part of your vehicle that makes direct contact with the road. They're carefully shaped and angled to maximize grip while also providing ideal fuel efficiency. When you drive on tires with flat, worn, or missing treads, you'll find your vehicle slipping, taking much longer to stop, and losing contact with wet surfaces.

Replacing your tires at the right time ensures you have sufficient tread to stay safe when driving in all conditions. It's especially important during the rainy spring season and winter ice storms. In fact, even the pattern of the tread of the tire plays an important role in providing traction on slippery roads. Depending on where you live in Tennessee, you may want to invest in winter tires with specialty treads designed to handle icy and snowy mountain roads.

Legality of Low Tread Tires

In most states, driving on tires with tread below 2/32 of an inch can lead to a ticket for unsafe operating conditions. You're allowed to let your tires become quite worn, but eventually the effect on your braking speed and responsiveness puts other drivers at risk. Don't wait to find out your tires are nearly bald from wear by getting a ticket for tire violations. Check your treads yourself at least once a month to get a better idea of when to invest in a new set of tires, preferably with all four replaced at once.

How to Check Your Tire Tread

You can find specialty tread checking gauges at auto parts stores, but a basic ruler or common coin will tell you what you need to know as well.

With Common Coins

Grab a penny that's bright and shiny enough that you can clearly make out Lincoln's head. Place the penny in the shallowest valley between two treads on each tire. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, the tread is already below 2/32 of an inch and the tires need immediate replacement. If most of his head is visible but not all of it, it's time to start planning to order your next set of tires.

With a Tire Gauge

Set the tire gauge between two treads and press the pin down until it makes contact with the rubber in the valley. Read the gauge from the side to see how much tread is left. When the tires are down to just 3/32 and 4/32 of an inch, you may want to prepare for tire replacement rather than waiting until they're all reading 2/32 of an inch.

With Visual Indicators

Truck and performance tires include raised sections between the treads known as indicator bars. If you check your treads and see bars that are equal to their height visible in the valleys, it's time to replace the tires. The pressure and friction on the tires can make them hazardous when they wear out, so don't try to stretch their lifespan once the indicator bars become visible.

When to Replace Your Tires Based on Tread

If you're still seeing over 3/32 of an inch of tread, you likely can wait a few more months before replacing your tires. Once you hit that level of tread depth and below, you're running the risk of a bubble, blister, or blowout leaving you stuck on the side of the road. Take the time to check your spare tire and have it replaced as necessary as well to stay prepared no matter what.

Come By for a Tire Tread Inspection

Drivers in the Old Fort, TN area can stop by your local tire shop for a quick tread inspection. Here at Rogers Tire, we're happy to give you an expert measurement and assess the condition of all four tires to keep you safer on the road. Don't let damage go unnoticed and put you at risk when we can get you into a new set of car or truck tires that fit your budget. Stop by today or schedule your next appointment.