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When you’re on the road, you need to have confidence in your tires.

While it might not be the first thing you consider, the depth of your treads can make all the difference when it comes to the safety of your vehicle. Those treads arwhat helps the rubber of your tires grip the road and are used each time you accelerate or stop.

In most states in the United States, it is illegal to drive on tires with less than 2/32 of one inch of tread. Of course, estimating a measurement this small is nearly impossible with the naked eye — unless you know how to look!

In this article, we will walk you through all the ways in which you can stay on top of this simple maintenance task.

Using Coins

The Penny Method

See a penny? Pick it up. And then use it to gauge your tire’s tread depth.

This simple trick has been used for generations to get an estimate of how long the current set of tires will last on the old family sedan.

To use this handy hack, take a United States penny and place it with Abraham Lincoln facing you and with his head upside down. Place the penny in the lowest part of the groove of the tire — those canyons in the tire that help whisk water away on a rainy day.

If you can see Old Abe’s entire head — including his crop of hair — then your car is at least 2/32 of an inch and safe to drive. 

Make sure you measure the depth multiple times all along the circumference of the tire to ensure bare spots are taken into account.

Keep in mind that while 2/32 of an inch is road legal, it is the bare minimum. If you’re shaving it close to Abe’s hairline, you may still be in need of immediate attention. In order to get a better understanding of your vehicle’s tire depth, try using the quarter method, below. 

The Quarter Method

The quarter method of measurement is another neat trick that will help you maintain your vehicle. It is similar to the penny method but offers additional insight into the depth of your tire’s wear.

While the penny shows 2/32 of an inch — the bare minimum allowed by law in most jurisdictions — the quarter shows 4/32 of an inch, which will help you determine how long you can safely drive on your current set of tires.

Here’s how to check tire tread depth using a United States quarter: First, place the quarter facing you and with George Washington’s head upside down. If you can see Washington’s entire head, your tire’s treads are at least 4/32 of an inch. In addition to being safe, you should expect a few additional months of driving, depending on your daily mileage. If part of Washington’s head is cut from view, you should think about getting your tires replaced. Use the penny technique, above, to see whether you need to get them changed immediately.

Using the Treadwear Indicator Bar

Treadwear indicator bars are another useful way to determine whether your tires are dangerously bare. These rubber strips are added to tires as a safety feature. They allow you to check your tire tread at home at a glance.

Treadwear indicator bars are molded into the grooves of modern tires. You can find them in the bottom of the grooves, at perpendicular angles to the main channel. These rubber strips are 2/32 of an inch from the deepest part of the groove. When the indicator bar is flush with the main tire ribs and/or the tread block, it means it is time to get the tires replaced immediately.  

Using a Tread Depth Gauge

A tread depth gauge is a useful tool that offers precise treadwear measurement. These helpful gadgets are available at nearly every auto parts store and are an inexpensive addition to any road repair or tire servicing kit.

There are many variations available, but the most common design resembles a large syringe. A metal tongue protrudes from the main cylindrical portion of the gauge. When the metal probe is placed at the bottom of the groove with the main component resting on the rib of the tire, the gauge displays the precise depth of the tread in either inches or millimeters.

As with the other methods, it is important to measure the depth at several places along the circumference of the tire. The precise readings of a tread depth gauge allow you to know exactly how much life your tire has left.

Why Tire Tread Wear is a Problem

Tire tread can have a huge impact on the safety of your vehicle.

Low tire tread decreases your handling and increases distance it takes for your vehicle to stop. Driving on stripped tires also makes the chances of you blowing a tire greater and gives you less control during a turn.

In terms of vehicle maintenance, the tread of your tire is where the rubber meets the road. Don’t let a few fractions of an inch put you and your family in danger! Talk to our experts at Highland Tires today if your tire treads are looking bare.