How Do I Check Tire Tread Depth?
Most parts of your vehicle require maintenance, repair, or replacement, including the tires. Knowing how to check tire tread depth can give you some advance notice of when you’ll need new treads and keep you safe driving around Ridgewood or Jersey City. But how do you check tire tread depth? Well, there are a couple of ways, and Jaguar Paramus Authorized Service is here to help.
What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth?
If you’ve put special tires on a vehicle — say, winter or off-roading tires — you’ll likely have thicker treads than someone with summer or all-season tires. These standard tires have a tread depth of about 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch (about a third of an inch).
The U.S. Department of Transportation says that when your treads are at 2/32 of an inch or lower, you need new tires. Ideally, you’ll change them before you reach this point, as driving on tires with low tread depth can be a safety hazard. Not only can low-tread tires reduce traction on the streets of Ridgewood or Fort Lee, but the thinner a tire gets, the more easily it can blow out. If you’re having trouble braking quickly, the problem could have to do with your tires. This issue may also be a result of low brake fluid.
The Penny Test
Most drivers have heard of “the penny test” to measure tire tread depth. It’s not the most accurate way — for that, you will want to use either a ruler or a gauge specifically for measuring tread depth — but it’s the most convenient. The design of the U.S. penny makes it the perfect household tool to measure your tire wear. How do you check tire tread depth? Find a penny and follow along:
- Insert a penny with the top of Lincoln’s head down into the groove.
- Look at how much of the head is covered by the tread of your tire.
- If all of Lincoln’s face is visible, you have about 2/32 of tread depth left and are in need of new tires.
- Repeat this process on all four tires, in multiple locations on each.
More Ways to Check Tire Health
While you’re checking your tire treads, it’s good to inspect for other aspects of tire health. You should:
- Check tire pressure with a gauge
- Inspect the tires for any visible tire damage
- Closely inspect your treads for signs of uneven wear
If you notice your vehicle pulling one way or another or discover uneven wear, you should visit our service center to have your alignment checked. You might also be overdue for tire rotation.
Maintain Your Tires at Jaguar Paramus Authorized Service
When you take your vehicle to our local service center for regular maintenance, the technicians will inspect your tires for any issues or wear. When it’s time to replace your tires, schedule an appointment at Jaguar Paramus Authorized Service, where we’ll know which tires your Jaguar needs (it’s a good idea to check our parts specials, too).
