TIRE BASICS

How To Measure Tire Tread Depth

There are four quick and easy methods of how to find your tire’s tread depth. Watch the video below and learn how a penny, a quarter, a tread depth gauge, or even an indicator built into your tire’s tread can help you understand when it’s time to replace your tires.

Goodyear suggests checking your tire tread depth every 3,000 mi. (5,000 km) or once it reaches 4/32 inches deep. If your tread depth reads 2/32 inches of less, it's time to replace your tires.

Transcript

When is the last time you checked your tire’s tread depth? As a best practice, you should check the tread on each tire every 3,000 miles or once it reaches 4/32 of an inch deep. To check your tread, there are four quick and easy methods. First, grab a penny and insert it into your tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch, and it's time to replace your tires. Another easy option is using a quarter to do the same test. If the tread touches Washington's head, you have at least 4/32 of an inch of tread remaining. If you can see all of Washington’s head, contact a local store. The third is a tried-and-true tread depth gauge. Some gauges are needle-shaped, and a part extends to measure the tread depth. Measure in multiple areas around the tire, as tires can wear unevenly. Another option is using an indicator bar that's molded into most tires. Keep in mind, if you’re at the wear bars, it’s already time to replace your tires. Certain Goodyear tires, such as the Goodyear Assurance® MaxLife, have Goodyear's Wear Gauge, which provides a visual indication of the tire's remaining tread depth, allowing drivers to continually monitor their tires' wear instead of simply providing a warning at the end of their life. If you find that the tread reaches 4/32 of an inch deep, it should be monitored more closely as replacement tires may be necessary as your tire’s tread is wearing down. Worn tread may be just one of many reasons to replace a set of tires. If you’re in need of a new set, buy your new tires online today. Goodyear.com. Tire buying, simplified.

Penny Test for Tire Tread Wear Measurement

Insert a penny into your tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of the head, your tire tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it's time to replace your tires.

Quarter Test for Tire Tread Wear Measurement

Another easy coin test to measure tread depth is the quarter test. Insert a quarter into your tread groove. If the tread touches Washington's head, you have at least 4/32 inch of tread remaining.

Check the Tire Tread Wear Indicator

You can also use the tire tread wear indicator as another method for how to check your tire tread. You can find the tread wear indicator less than an inch (2/32 of an inch) from the bottom of the tread groove. When the tread wears down to become even with this level, the tire should be replaced.

Measuring with a Tread Depth Gauge

For another method in measuring your tire’s remaining tread depth, use a tire tread depth gauge. Typical tread depth gauges will measure in 32nds of an inch, or 25-26 in millimeters. Some gauges have a needle-like design with a portion that expands to measure tread depth. Because tires wear unevenly, measurements should be taken in different locations around the tire.