How to Check Tire Tread Depth
Wondering if it is time to get new tires? One way to tell if you need to replace the tires is to check to see how much tread you still have left on them.
Drivers in Maple Shade, Moorestown, and Cherry Hill can check tire tread depth in just a few steps by doing what is called the penny test. Below, our Elite Acura team shares how to perform this quick test and see whether your tires are due for a change.
Checking Tire Tread
The general rule is, once the depth of your tire tread becomes 2/32 inches or less, it is time to replace them.
How do you measure this? Luckily, you don’t need any fancy equipment or tools to do so. Just grab a penny and you are ready to test your tire tread depth:
- Place the penny into one of the grooves of the tire tread, with the head facing down and towards you
- Look to see if you can see the entire top of Lincoln’s head.
- If you can see his whole head, that means your tires only have 2/32 inches or less of tread left and need a change. If part of his head is covered, then you still have enough tread left on your tires.
- Since tires can wear at uneven rates, make sure to repeat this process for each individual tire.
It is best to do this quick tire tread test once a month. That way, you always know the condition of your tires and can get them replaced as soon as they become too worn.
The Importance of Tire Tread
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The reason you want to regularly check the tread depth of your tires is, so you know your tires are giving you the best performance possible. The tire tread is what gives you traction while driving. Thanks to the tire tread, you continue to have great grip to the road when it starts to rain or while going around a tight curve in the road.
As the tread wears on your tires, though, it eventually loses its ability to give you the grip needed when driving. This results in less traction, which means you’ll be more prone to slipping. Just like we need to replace our shoes when their soles become too worn, your tires also need to be eventually replaced to give your vehicle the footing it needs to stay stable while driving.
Acura Tire Center
If you notice your tires have a low amount of tread or some tires are wearing at a faster rate than others, our service team can help. We can either replace the tires for you or simply do a tire rotation.
When getting new tires, we have durable ones from the top brands designed to give you long-lasting performance. By having our technicians install them for you, you will know that they are properly balanced and aligned, which will give you safe and smooth performance.
Need New Tires?
Now that you know how to check tire tread depth, grab a penny and head out to your driveway to see how much tread your car’s tires have.
Drivers in Maple Shade, Moorestown, and Cherry Hill can count on our service professionals here at Elite Acura to handle all their tire maintenance needs! Schedule an appointment with our service center today to get your tires rotated or replaced.
