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How to measure tire depth gauge


How to Check Tire Tread Depth: The Penny Test

When it comes to checking tire tread, there are a number of methods that can help you know if it’s time to replace a tire. Heavily worn tread will prevent a tire from performing as designed and can lead to unsafe driving conditions. One of the simplest, most common ways to check tread depth requires nothing more than a penny and a few moments of your time.

THE PENNY TEST

In the United States, tire tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch. New tires typically come with 10/32” or 11/32” tread depths, and some truck, SUV and winter tires may have deeper tread depths than other models. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires when they reach 2/32”, and many states legally require tires to be replaced at this depth.

The idea of the penny test is to check whether you’ve hit the 2/32” threshold. Here’s how it works:

    Place a penny between the tread ribs on your tire. A “rib” refers to the raised portion of tread that spans the circumference of your tire. Tire tread is composed of several ribs.

    Turn the penny so that Lincoln’s head points down into the tread.

    See if the top of his head disappears between the ribs. If it does, your tread is still above 2/32” , If you can see his entire head, it may be time to replace the tire because your tread is no longer deep enough.

    When performing the penny tire test, remember not only to check each tire, but to check various places around each tire. Pay special attention to areas that look the most worn. Even if parts of your tread are deeper than 2/32”, you should still replace the tire when any areas fail the penny test.

    Consistent wear around the whole tire is normal, but uneven tread wear could be a sign of improper inflation, wheel misalignment, or a variety of other things. If you see uneven tread wear, you should have a technician inspect your vehicle.

    OTHER WAYS TO CHECK TIRE TREAD

    TREAD DEPTH GAUGE

    A simple way to check your tire tread depth is by using a tread depth gauge. You can find tire tread depth gauges at your local auto parts store. There are many models available, but an inexpensive simple graduated probe gauge will work just fine. All you have to do is stick the probe into a groove in the tread and press the shoulders of the probe flat against the tread block and read the result. All gauges should measure in both 32nds of an inch and millimeters.

    TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BARS

    Another indicator of worn out tread already lives in your tires themselves. Every performance, light truck, or medium commercial tire comes equipped with indicator bars (or wear bars) embedded between the tread ribs at 2/32”. They’re there to help you monitor tread depth and make decisions about tire replacement. Just look to see if the tread is flush with the indicator bars. If they are, it’s time to replace the tire.

    DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE

    While the penny tire test does deliver on what it promises – indicating whether tread has reached the legal limit – it may not be the best indicator of whether your tires are safe for the road. Tire performance can diminish significantly before your tread hits 2/32”. Even though the law deems fit for safe driving may not prevent you from hydroplaning or losing control in rainy, slushy conditions. If you think your tires may be close to needing replacement, have them checked out by a licensed mechanic.

    Know How to Read Tire Tread Depth

    Posted by Benjamin Jerew Maintenance

    Do you know what your tires are telling you about your car, road conditions or even your driving habits? If you know how to read tire tread depth and condition, a wealth of information is right at your fingertips.

    How to Read Tire Tread Depth

    Tire tread depth refers to the grooves between the main blocks on the contact surface of a tire. Most tires start with upwards of 10/32″ of tread depth, with some off-road tires topping 15/32″ depth. As you rack up the miles, the soft rubber compound, the very thing that gives you traction, wears away. Most states require a minimum tread depth of 2/32″ and some states require just 1/32″, but how do you measure it? Also, is 2/32″ really enough for a safe drive?

    Do you know how to read tire tread depth with a tire tread depth gauge? Here is a five-step process to do it the right way:

    1. Make sure the gauge is zeroed-out on a flat surface. You might be able to adjust the pin to get an actual reading of 0/32″.
    2. In the air, push the measuring scale all the way in, so the measuring pin sticks out as far as possible.
    3. Place the measuring pin in the main tread groove, and press down until the base of the gauge is resting firmly on the tread blocks on either side of the groove.
    4. Carefully pull the tread depth gauge away from the tire, and read the measurement shown on the scale.
    5. Repeat steps 1–4 for the other main tread grooves.

    If you’re in a pinch, you can also get a rough estimate of tire tread depth by using a penny and a quarter. But this is no substitute for a calibrated tire tread depth gauge.

    • The top of Lincoln’s head to the edge of a penny measures about 2/32″, the legal minimum in most states.
    • The top of Washington’s head to the edge of a quarter measures about 4/32″.
    • The steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the edge of a penny measures about 6/32″.

    What Does It All Mean?

    If you know how to read tire tread depth, this will help you determine when tire replacement is necessary, the condition of your suspension and steering system and if you need to change your habits.

    • While most states require tire tread depth to be a minimum of 2/32″, most technicians and responsible people would recommend tire replacement around 4/32″, especially if lots of rain is a possibility in your area.
    • If the outer tread grooves are deeper than the center groove, this could indicate that your tires are overinflated.
    • If the center tread grooves are deeper than the outer grooves, this could indicate that your tires are under-inflated.
    • If the inboard tread grooves are deeper or shallower than the outboard tread grooves, this could indicate a suspension alignment problem.

    Keeping on top of your tire tread is actually much more than knowing when to replace them, it can also help you prevent other problems. Adding tire inspection to your monthly maintenance checklist might just keep you safer and your wallet heavier over the long haul.

    Check out all the tools & equipment available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on tire tread depth and condition, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

    Photo courtesy of Foter

    Categories

    Maintenance

    Tags

    bald tire, hydroplaning, suspension alignment, tire care, tire pressure, tire tread depth, tire tread depth gauge, tires

    Ben has been taking things apart since he was 5, and putting them back together again since he was 8. After dabbling in DIY repairs at home and on the farm, he found his calling in the CGCC Automobile Repair program. After he held his ASE CMAT for 10 years, Ben decided he needed a change. Now, he writes on automotive topics across the web and around the world, including new automotive technology, transportation legislation, emissions, fuel economy and auto repair.

    For motorists — Measuring devices for measuring pressure, depth for cars

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    Sets of inspectors will be useful not only for traffic police officers - car inspection is mandatory at car services, at service stations, when passing through customs at state borders. In order to inspect the components and assemblies of a car quickly and efficiently, special kits are used, which include such devices as

    • telescopic bar,
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    In addition, the necessary accessories can be purchased separately. To lift small parts, magnetic hooks and magnetic plates are usually used, which allow you to quickly collect, for example, parts scattered on the floor. For a thorough inspection of the car, 360-degree rotating mirrors on a long neck are indispensable, which are characterized by various diameters and sizes. The selection of the tool is made in accordance with the tasks to be performed with its help.

    The Digital Tire Pressure Gauge will be a great gift for any motorist, because it is often necessary to instantly determine how the tire is inflated in order to decide whether it needs to be inflated or, conversely, deflated. The air pressure in the tires of a car affects many characteristics that are important for a comfortable and safe ride: for example, if the tire is flat, the car may “drive” and the driver may lose control, which entails serious consequences. In addition, gasoline consumption also depends on how the tires are inflated: if the pressure is lower than the level recommended by the manufacturer, consumption increases.

    Brake Drum Calipers are used to determine uneven thickness of brake discs. Based on the results obtained, various malfunctions are identified: for example, a change in the shape of the brake drums, the beating of brake discs.

    The tread depth gauges are a must not only for workshops, but for every car enthusiast. The level of tread depth is used to judge the need to change tires, since this tread characteristic is extremely important for safety: according to studies, the braking distance of a car with a tread of 8 mm is two times shorter than the braking distance of a car with a minimum allowable projector depth of 1.6 mm . In addition, the operation of a car with a small residual tread depth literally endangers the safety of the driver, passengers and other road users: at high speeds, the effect of aquaplaning appears, which also lengthens the braking distance. In addition, worn tires "grab" small stones, nails and other debris from the road. This leads to the need to constantly seal holes in the tire, which does not have the best effect on a comfortable ride.

    We will be happy to answer any of your questions by calling toll-free 8-800-100-39-81.

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    Tire tread depth gauge (depth gauge)

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