What is Tire Tread Depth?
Tire Tread Depth refers to the depth of the grooves and channels on the surface of a tire that helps provide traction between the tire and the road. Over time, with normal wear and tear, the tire tread will wear down, causing a reduction in the ability of the tire to grip the surface of the road.
The tire tread depth is critical in maintaining the handling and safety of a vehicle on the road, as it affects the vehicle’s ability to stop in time in emergency situations, turn around corners, and prevent slipping on wet surfaces.
Therefore, it’s essential to regularly check your tire tread depth and replace your tires when it falls below the legal minimum depth.
How do I Check my Tire Tread?
Checking your tire tread depth is a straightforward task that doesn’t require any special equipment. You can use the penny test, which is an easy and effective way to check your tire tread at home. Here’s how to perform the penny test:
- Take a penny and hold it so that Lincoln’s head is facing downwards.
- Insert the penny into the grooves of the tire tread.
- Check how much of Lincoln’s head is visible.
- If the tread covers Lincoln’s head, the tire tread depth is still above the legal minimum of 2/32 of an inch.
- If Lincoln’s head is visible above the tread, it means the tire has worn down, its tread depth is too low, and it’s time to replace the tire.
While the penny test is an excellent and easy way to check tire tread depth, it’s essential to remember that measuring the tread depth in multiple locations around the tire is crucial to get an accurate reading of overall tire wear.
Professional tire tread depth gauges, which are available at most auto shops or tire dealerships, can also provide a more precise measurement of your tire tread depth.
When is Tread Depth Too Low?
In the USA, the legal minimum tire tread depth for passenger vehicles, as established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is 2/32 of an inch. However, different states may have their own specific requirements, which could be more stringent than federal law.
When the tire tread depth is below 2/32 of an inch, the tires are considered bald and no longer safe to drive. It’s important to note that the tread depth should be measured in the tire’s three main grooves and at several locations around the tire, preferably by using a tire tread depth gauge or by performing the penny test.
Driving with bald tires is not only illegal, but it can also be extremely dangerous, as bald tires have a decreased amount of traction which increases the vehicle’s likelihood of accidents.
What is a Tread Wear Indicator?
A Tread Wear Indicator is a small, raised bar of rubber found in the grooves between the tire treads. These bars are strategically placed and designed to indicate when the tire treads have worn down to a certain level, typically 2/32 of an inch or less.
When the tire’s tread wears down to the level of the indicator bar, it’s a sign that the tire is close to reaching the legal minimum tire tread depth and should be replaced.
Tread Wear Indicators are designed to be an easy and convenient way for drivers to visually inspect tire wear and determine when it’s time to replace their tires.
Keep in mind that, while the Tread Wear Indicators are a useful tool, it’s still a good idea to regularly perform a full tire tread depth check with either a tread depth gauge or the penny test to ensure your tires are safe and legal.
What Does Tread Depth Affect?
Tread Depth is a crucial aspect of driving safety as it directly affects a vehicle’s handling and stability. The Grooves in the tire’s tread help to channel water away from the tire’s contact patch with the road, improving traction and preventing hydroplaning on wet roads.
As the tread wears down over time, it affects the vehicle’s stopping distance. Bald tires can increase the distance a vehicle takes to come to a halt, making it an essential safety concern for any driver. It also affects the ability of the tire to maintain proper grip and control during turns or sudden stops.
Lower tread can reduce a driver’s control over the direction of their vehicle and lead to accidents, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Why Does Tire Air Pressure Matter?
Maintaining proper tire air pressure is crucial for a vehicle’s safety, handling, and overall performance. Driving on underinflated or overinflated tires can result in various problems, including reduced fuel efficiency, tire instability, and an increased risk of accidents.
The Problems With Underinflated Tires
Lower tire pressure leads to higher rolling resistance, increased tire deformation, and can result in heat buildup, causing the tire to overheat and wear out quicker. Additionally, underinflated tires can result in a decrease in fuel efficiency, increased carbon output, difficulty in braking, and increase stopping distance.
The Problems With Overinflated Tires
One major problem with overinflated tires is a reduction in the tire’s contact patch with the road, decreasing traction and increasing the risk of loss of control while driving. This problem can manifest in various ways, including decreased stability during turns, unpredictable handling on slippery roads, and increased braking distance.
Overinflated tires also cause a harsher and less comfortable driving experience, making potholes and bumps on the road more noticeable, leading to increased driver fatigue.
Additionally, overinflated tires can cause uneven tire wear, leading to reduced tire lifespan, and the excessive tire pressure can lead to blowouts and punctures, resulting in costly repairs.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are designed to help drivers monitor tire pressure levels in real-time. They use sensors located in the tires to measure the tire pressure and alert drivers if the pressure falls below a certain threshold, indicating low tire pressure.
With the help of a dashboard indicator light or warning message, drivers can quickly identify which tire is underinflated and act promptly to avoid potential safety hazards.
TPMS alerts signify when tire pressure is low or has been critically low to warn drivers to check their tire pressure and add air if necessary. This system ensures that drivers are informed of any low-pressure tire conditions and are equipped to take action before an unsafe driving condition develops.
TPMS is now a standard feature in most newer vehicles and has become essential in assisting drivers to maintain their tire pressure levels, improve vehicle handling and fuel efficiency, reduce tire wear, and significantly help increase driving safety.
