tires
Tires are your one point of safety between you and the road. Don't skimp.
When do you need new tires[1,2]
This chart is for the depth of the tire tread (from the top of the tread to the bae of the tire between the treads).
When we see "replace immediately", it means "[i]n most states [in America], the minimum legal tread depth is 2/32 of an inch[2]" and "[i]t can take as much as twice the distance to come to a complete stop on a wet road when panic braking with tires that have only 2/32 of an inch of remaining tread compared to their wet performance when new".
| Minimum height | Condition |
|---|---|
| 10 to 11/32" | Brand new tire |
| 6 to 9/32" or above | Good |
| 3 to 5/32" | Needs replacing |
| 2/32" or below | Replace immediately! |
Coin test
This is a cheap and easy way to test the tread if you don't have a fine ruler available. The penny's hair is about 2/32" away from the rim, whereas the quarter's hair is about 3/32" away from the rim.
- Grab an American penny or quarter. Turn the side with the silhouette toward you, so that you can see their head.
- Insert the penny upside down (with the head pointing into the tire) in between the tire tread.
- How's their hair? Can you see the top of their head? This means your tire tread has worn down to an unsafe level and it’s likely time to buy new tires.
Wear bars
Tires often have a wear bar that runs perpendicular to the tire and is between the treads. It's height is about 2/32" or less above the base of the tire. If this is flush with the rest of your tread, you need to replace your tires.
References
- https://www.tiresplus.com/blog/tires/check-need-new-tires-minute/
- https://tiregrades.com/tire-maintenance/tread-wear/tire-tread-depth/tire-tread-measurements/
Last modified: 202611081913