How to Check Tire Tread Depth

When your tire tread reaches a depth of 1/16 of an inch or less, the tire should be replaced as soon as possible. With that said, understanding when to replace tires is one thing, and knowing how to check tire tread depth is another! The good news is that you can easily complete the job at home in Rumson or Colts Neck, using nothing but a penny. 

For an even more accurate reading, pick up a tread wear gauge at our parts department or check to see if your tire has built-in tread wear bars. And, if you decide that it’s time to trade up for a new set, our tire store is sure to have exactly what you need, and you can always explore our service tips and tricks from the comfort of your home to learn important skills such as how to change a car tire.

How Do I Check for Tire Tread Wear? 

Most tires come with a starting tread depth of roughly 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch. However, this can differ depending on your choice of tire. Even so, whether you opt for winter tires, all-season tires, performance tires, or off-road tires, you’ll want to replace them at or before the time that the treads fall to 1/16 of an inch. Here’s how to know when it’s time:

Checking Tread Depth with a Penny

If you have a penny (the newer, the better) somewhere in your vehicle, you can check your tire tread depth in hurry:

1. Insert the penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing out toward you, and down.
2. If you can see part of his face, your treads are wearing down. If you can see all of his face, it’s definitely time for tire replacement.

Checking Tread Depth with a Gauge

If you’ve picked up a dedicated tread wear gauge at our parts department, all you need to do is insert it all the way down into the groove of the tire and get your measurement!

Checking Tread Depth with Tread Wear Bars

Most newer vehicles (and newer replacement tires) come with tread wear bars built in. These bars normally sit hidden at the very bottom of the tread groove. After you’ve located the bars on each tire, you’ll need to interpret what you see:

1. If there’s space between the top of the tread wear bar and the top of the tread, you’re good to go.
2. If the tread wear bar is flush with the tread itself, schedule replacement as soon as possible. You’re either due or past-due for service!

No matter which method you choose, check each tire multiple times, at multiple locations. 

• If there are significant differences between tires, you may have missed a tire rotation. 
• If one tire’s treads differ significantly in depth from place to place, you might be dealing with a different issue. Either way, scheduling service is a good idea.

We’re Your Source for Tire Service

We hope you’ll rely on our tire store whenever you need new tires for your Land Rover! And, if you decide you need to schedule tire rotation, wheel alignment, or tire balancing, our service center has you covered. We’re close by Red Bank, located conveniently in Eatontown.