Hilna News

Checking Your Tire Tread

written by Jason Mueller

With so many things to take care of in life, checking your tires to make sure the tread is at a safe level is something that often gets overlooked. When it comes to having regular tire maintenance, one of the first things that a person needs to check is tire tread depth. As car owners, we will take our vehicles in for regular oil changes or vehicle repair services when needed, but failing to check the tire tread can lead to problems including a blowout, increased risk of hydroplaning, unsafe handling on the road and crashes caused from poor handling. It’s best to check the tread yourself or have a tire professional inspect the tires for you to avoid situations that could be dangerous. Driving a car to a tire shop for an inspection is much better than having to have a car hauled to a collision center.

Below are a few ways to check your tread depth and help avoid a messy situation with your tires.

Coin Tread Depth Test

There are two types of coin tests that a person can use to check the tread on a tire.

Penny Test

To do the penny test, you take a penny and insert the penny into the groove of the tire with Lincoln’s head facing downwards. If the entire head shows, your tires are worn out and need replaced.

Quarter Test

The quarter test is like the penny test. You insert the quarter with Washington’s head facing downwards. If you can see Washington’s head, your tires most likely need to be replaced as the tread has worn down too far.

No matter the result of the coin tread test, it is best to have the tires checked by a professional.

Tread Depth Gage

A tread depth gage can be purchased at an auto parts store or in many tire shops. With a tread depth gauge, you will insert it into the area between tread and once it touches the bottom surface, it will register the tread depth. It’s a good idea to check in several spots to ensure your tire has not worn on one side and not another.

Tread Indicator Bar

If you don’t have a coin or a tread depth gage, you can look at the tires themselves and look for an indicator bar. The indicator bar is formed into the bottom of the tread grooves and are raised up to 2/32nds of an inch. If your tread indicator bars are worn down, it is time to replace the tire.

Having your tires checked each time you have your oil changed or when you have other routine maintenance taken care of is a good idea. You should also look at the tires when you stop to fill up or before you take a long drive.