How to Check Tire Tread Depth

If you don’t know how to check tire tread depth, you’re in the right place. Checking your tire tread and keeping them from going bald will help your tires grip the road better as you drive around Oak Lawn. Over time, your tire tread depth gradually decreases, which reduces the amount of traction and control you have. If your tire tread depth isn’t deep enough, it could put you and your passengers in danger, especially during harsh winter weather conditions when streets are slippery. So, find a penny or ruler, and learn how to check tire tread depth with Oak Lawn Toyota.

What Should Your Tire Tread Depth Be? 

When you purchase new tires, they usually have a tread depth of approximately 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch. Winter tires and tires for off-roading have deeper tread grooves. How do you know when to replace your tires? The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends that you replace your tires when the tire tread depth gets down to about 2/32 of an inch. 

How to Check Tire Tread Depth Using a Penny 

While a ruler is a more accurate way to measure tire tread depth, a penny will work! Follow these steps to check the tread depth of your tires with a penny:

1. Put the penny in the groove of your tire with Lincoln’s head facing downward.
2. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head without any of his hair covered, then your tire treads are 2/32 inches deep or less, and it’s time for a new set.
3. Repeat the process on all four of your tires and in multiple spots on each tire.

Other Ways to Check Your Tire Tread Depth

If you can’t find a penny or want a more precise measurement, these are a couple of other ways to check your tire tread: 

• Tread Depth Gauge: You can purchase a tread depth gauge at most any Evergreen Park auto parts store or at the Oak Lawn Toyota parts center. Just insert the probe into the shallowest tread groove and press the top bar of the gauge flat against the tire. Then it will show you the tread wear rating.
• Tread Wear Bars: Most tires have tread wear indicator bars built right into them. You can locate them at the bottom of the tread grooves in multiple positions across the tires. If the bars are flush with the tire ribs, it means that the tread depth has reached 2/32 of an inch.

Trust Oak Lawn Toyota For Toyota Tire Service in Chicago

It doesn’t matter if you live in Orland Park or Countryside, Oak Lawn Toyota is the best for tire service in Chicago and beyond. Contact us today if you need new tires, tire repair, or tire rotation. You can also schedule service online. Be sure to browse our parts specials to see if you can save some money. We’re here for you!