Vehicles

How to check tire tread depth

TN (according to VTC News) April 10, 2024 10:15

If the tire is too worn, its performance will be reduced, making driving unsafe. There are many ways to check the tire tread to help the car owner determine when to replace the tire.

Cách kiểm tra gai lốp. (Ảnh minh họa).
How to check tire tread. (Illustration).

What is tire tread depth?

Tread depth is understood as the vertical distance between the top of the tread rubber to the bottom of the deepest groove of the tire. In which, the depth is measured in 1/32 inch units, this means that 1 inch is divided into 32 units.

New tread depth is usually 10/32 or 11/32 inch.

The tread depth determines when to replace your tires. Specifically:

Tread depth over 6/32 inch: Ensures good function.

Tread depth of 5/32 inch: If the vehicle is traveling on wet roads that are slippery, consider replacing the tire.

Tread depth from 3/32 - 4/32 inch: Tire should be replaced as soon as possible.

Tread depth of 2/32 inch: Tire needs to be replaced immediately.

To ensure that the vehicle's movement is always safe and smooth, many opinions suggest that car owners should check the tire tread and replace the tire when the tread depth is at the warning level of 3/32 - 4/32 inch.

Drivers should not wait until the tread depth reaches 2/32 inch before replacing tires because the tire's performance will decrease rapidly before reaching 2/32 inch. If the tread depth reaches 2/32 inch, it is an alarming level and will be extremely dangerous for drivers when traveling.

Ways to check tire tread depth

Tire Tread Depth Gauge

An easy way to check your tire tread depth is to use a tread depth gauge. You can buy one at your local auto parts store.

Simply insert the probe into the tire groove and press deep enough so that the two side bars of the gauge touch the wall of the tread and read the result. All gauges have two units: 1/32" and millimeters.

Tire wear indicator

Another tool for measuring tread wear is located on the tire itself. All tires, from utility, light truck, to commercial, are equipped with wear indicators (or tread wear bars) that are mounted between the tread ribs.

This indicator helps you monitor the tread depth of your tires and determine when to replace them. Check to see if the tire tread is level with the indicator. If the tire tread is level with the indicator, it means it's time to replace your tires.

TN (according to VTC News)
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How to check tire tread depth