To determine how much tread your car’s tires need, you should look for the Department of Transportation code on the sidewall of the tire. This code is two numbers, the first two of which stand for the week and year the tire was manufactured. The last two digits represent how much tread depth the tire has. If the code is missing, you can use a penny or tread depth gauge to measure the wear.
Many tires need to be replaced before they reach 2/32-inch tread depth. However, the majority of replacements occur because of uneven wear or damage. Although a few people are concerned about this metric, most customers come in with symptoms indicating uneven wear. While it is true that all tires eventually need to be replaced, the choice to replace them often comes down to safety. Buying new tires becomes relatively cheap once you consider the safety benefits and the cost of property damage.
The most important thing to know about tread depth is the amount of tread on your tires. While new tires have 2/32″ of tread, some are much deeper. If your car tires have worn to that depth, it’s time to replace them. Many states and the U.S. Department of Transportation recommend replacing tires at 2/32″ of tread depth. However, many states require that tires be replaced at 2/32″ of tread depth. When you see the penny pointed to Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace them.
If you’re wondering, what does 5/32 tire wear mean? A few factors can determine whether a tire is safe to drive on. For example, if it’s snowy, you’ll want to replace it before it starts to wear out. For a summer tire, however, you don’t need more than 2/32 inch of tread depth. The tread depth can be determined by checking the wear bars, the tread depth indicator and the pressure.
Another thing to know about tire tread is the size of the grooves on the tire. They act as cooling agents. At higher speeds, tires heat up. Fortunately, air flows in between these grooves and keeps the tire cooler. However, the space for air in a tire decreases as the tread wears. If the tire is too worn, it can heat up to its temperature resistance limit. It’s best to replace the tire before the tread wear reaches 5/32 inches.
Consumer Reports is another source that supports the 4/32 inch standard. Its arguments are supported by tire manufacturers, such as Continental AG. The standard is also widely adopted and is the preferred choice of many consumers. The Consumer Reports recommendation is likely to be the consensus among consumers. It is worth noting, however, that the manufacturer has the final say. It’s not a bad idea to consult an expert if you’re not sure which tire to buy.
The penny test tells you the legal limit for tread depth on your tires. However, it isn’t necessarily a reliable indicator of how much tread depth you have. Depending on the conditions, the legal tread depth may not be enough to prevent your car from hydroplaning or losing control on slushy roads. You may be lucky enough to reach the legal limit before a problem arises, so it’s best to check with the service center for tire evaluation.
