The idea of the penny test is to check whether you’ve hit the 2/32” threshold.
Get a penny, and turn it so that Lincoln’s head is facing down. Insert the penny into the tire tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you.
At What Tread Depth Should Tires Be Replaced?
The idea of the penny test is to check whether you’ve hit the 2/32” threshold.
Table of Contents
What is the tread depth of a new tire?
Tread depth is the amount of the tire’s rubber that’s in contact with the road. It’s measured in 32nds of an inch, and most tires have a tread depth of 10/32″ or 11/32″ when they’re new. The more tread there is, the better a tire can handle wet roads (though it also helps to have wide channels that expel water from under the tire). About studded tires.
When is it safe to replace tires?
It depends on how much tread they have. If you look at the grooves in your tires and see a wear bar running across them, which means it’s time to replace them. Wear bars are narrow pieces of rubber that run perpendicular to the other grooves in your tire.
And when they connect with the pavement, it indicates that you only have 1/16″ (2/32″) left in your tread wear. That’s not enough to provide adequate traction for driving on slippery roads.
What is tire depth and why is it important?
Tire depth (or tread depth) measures how much tread is on your tire. When tires are manufactured, they are made with a certain amount of depth (usually between 10 and 11 millimeters), and this number doesn’t change throughout their lifespan. However, as you drive, your tires lose some of that initial depth. You can measure your tire depth to see how much tread is left.
How do you know when your tires need replacing?
You can use a penny or a quarter to check your tread depth at home, but it’s also important to visit a professional auto mechanic for an inspection every now and then. They will be able to tell you if you’re in danger of having unsafe tread levels.
Should I replace my tires at 4 32?
The short answer is no. The minimum tread depth for passenger tires is 2/32 inches, and you can probably get away with this on a front-wheel-drive vehicle if you live in an area that gets little rain or snow.
However, if you live in an area with heavy rainfall and/or snowfall, the recommended tread depth is 3/32 inches.
Is 5 32 A good tire tread depth?
5/32″ is a good tire tread depth. If you are checking your tire tread depth using the penny test, you are on track if your tires are at 5/32″. If you want to measure your tire tread depth using a tire tread gauge, anything above 5/32″ is considered good.
What is minimum safe tire tread depth?
The minimum safe tread depth for passenger vehicles is 2/32 inches, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
At what point are tires unsafe?
If the tread is completely worn off the tire, the tire is no longer considered safe and should be replaced immediately. Beyond that, it’s difficult to determine whether a tire is safe or not simply by looking at it.
That’s why NHTSA requires a tread wear indicator on all new tires: The indicator is a raised rubber rib built into the bottom of the tread groove that causes an audible humming noise when the tire has worn down to 2/32 inch remaining tread depth.
Conclusion
It’s important not to wait until your tires are worn out before you replace them. Worn-out tires are dangerous under all conditions, but especially so in rain or snow. The best way to avoid having to deal with worn-out tires is to make sure your tires are inspected regularly by a professional technician. He can spot early warning signs of trouble with your tires.
