How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear?

Your tires are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle, and knowing how to check tire tread depth will help you drive with confidence no matter where you go. Thankfully, it only takes a minute to learn how to care for these essential components. And, you can check tire tread wear at home without picking up any extra supplies or tools. All you’ll need is a penny!

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth?

In almost all cases, new tires will come with a tread depth of roughly ⅓ of an inch. More precisely, tires designed for on-road use will generally have a tread depth of 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch. Off-road tires, winter tires, and other specialized products may differ. In order to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s guidelines for tire tread depth, you need to ensure that each tire has a tread depth of 2/32 of an inch or more.

How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear?

If you’re sitting at home, wondering “How do I check tire tread wear?” you should know that you don’t have to make a run to your local Cherry Hill-area parts store! If you don’t have a ruler or a tire tread gauge on hand, you can use the penny test to check your tire tread depth at home.  Here’s everything you need to know about checking tread wear with a penny:

1. Insert a penny into the groove of your tire tread. Make sure that Lincoln’s head is facing down and out.
2. If you can see the entirety of Lincoln’s face, your tread depth is lower than 2/32 of an inch. It’s time to pick up new tires.
3. Check each tire in multiple locations. Tread wear isn’t necessarily going to be even.

Rotating your tires at home or at our service center can help to ensure even wear, longer-lasting tires, and more dependable performance.

More Ways to Check Tire Health

While you’re down by your tires, it pays to look for other signs of tire wear. Now that you know how to check tire tread wear, you shouldn’t have any trouble tracking these other signs of damage:

• If you have to refill your tires regularly, it may be time to replace your tires
• If you see any cracking or bubbling of the tire wall, your risk for a blowout is significantly greater.
• If there is a dramatic difference in wear between your tires, your wheels may be out of alignment. Schedule service to identify and solve the problem.

Acura Turnersville Knows Tire Care

Whether you drive with Acura or own a model from a different make, you can count on the Acura Turnersville service team to keep you safe on the roads near Medford and Sewell. Check out our service specials to save on tire care today.