How Do I Check Tire Tread?

From time to time, you’ll need to change your tires to keep your vehicle in a safe condition. How will you know when it’s time to do so? The easiest way is to check the tire tread. It’s easy enough for you to do at home, and we’re here to show Salisbury and Mooresville drivers how.

With one simple test, you’ll know in seconds whether your tires are due for replacements. Read ahead to learn what you need to do to keep your vehicle safe on the roads of Lexington and Kannapolis!

How to Check Tire Tread: The Penny Test

When it comes to tire tread, a penny can give you peace of mind! Checking tread with a penny is simple enough. Just pick a groove anywhere on the tire to start and place a penny into it. Turn your penny until the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head is pointing down into the tire.

If the tread covers at least part of Lincoln’s head, you should be able to get more life from your tires. On the other hand, if Lincoln’s head is fully visible, your tread is less than 2/32 of an inch deep. At this point, you should replace your tires with a new set.

Be sure to check your tread at different points, because wear may be uneven. If you don’t have a penny on hand, a quarter will work, too—just use Washington’s hair as a reference point!

Tread Wear Indicator Bar: The Built-In Test

Many tires have tread wear indicator bars molded into the tread grooves. If you know how to read these, you won’t even need that penny! These bars can be found at the bottom of the tread grooves at several points all over your tire.

If the bar is flush with the ribs on either side—in other words, they create a flat surface across—your tire tread is at 2/32 of an inch. You’ll need to install replacement tires as soon as possible.

The Professional Test: Tread Depth Gauge

This isn’t amateur hour! If you want to check your tire tread like a true professional, just purchase a tire tread depth gauge from any auto parts shop—including ours. It’s the same tool our auto technicians will use when you schedule tire service at our dealership.

To use it, place the probe into any tread groove on your tire. Push down the base of the gauge until the shoulders of the device are planted against the tread block. Next, grab the barrel of the gauge and remove it from the tread. Be careful not to touch the probe.

Note the tread depth reading and check various points along the tire. If the tread is 2/32 of an inch deep (or less) at any point, it’s time to change your tires.

Keep Your Tires in Great Condition

Deep tire tread will help you keep traction on those Salisbury and Lexington roads. Regular tire rotations will help extend your tires’ life by reducing the rate of wear.

Whether you need tire rotations, replacements, or tread inspections, our technicians can help. Schedule service at Cloninger Ford and let our team take a crack at it! We’ll have your vehicle, tires and all, ready for the roads of Kannapolis and Mooresville in no time.