Close How to Check Tire Tread Depth
The tires are the lifeblood of your Kia. You need them to get around Burlington, Princeton, and Trenton, NJ, safely. Like any part of your ride, you’ll want to check on your tires occasionally, including tread depth. If you’re unsure how to check tire tread depth, Burlington Kia put this guide together for you!
Learn how to check tire tread depth properly, what to do when tread depth is low, and more.
What is Tire Tread Depth?
Tire tread depth is the thickness of the rubber remaining on your tire tread. As you drive, the treads on your tires will deteriorate. Tire treads on new tires will measure 10/32nds or 5/16 of an inch. Once they reach around 4/32nds of an inch, you’ll want to start thinking about changing them. If you let them get to 2/32nds of an inch, change them ASAP.
Ways to Measure Tire Tread Depth
The great thing about needing to check tire tread depth is that there are several ways to do it. Let’s break them down here:
Wear bars:
These bars run perpendicular to your tire’s tread pattern. Place the bars in the tire’s grooves. If you see that the tread is above the wear bars, the tires are still good to use. However, if the bar sits flush with the tread, you’ll want to replace the tires ASAP.
Tire tread gauge:
Use a tire tread gauge on the top surface of the tire tread and extend a tire tread wear bar into the tread pattern. If the depth measures out to anything other than 2/32nds, you can continue to drive with those tires. If it measures at or below that number, replace your tires.
The penny trick:
Don’t have wear bars or a tire tread gauge handy? No problem! You can use a penny to quickly and easily check tire tread depth. Insert the penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If his head is covered, your tire tread is in good shape. If you can see all of his face, the tread depth is low, so you’ll want to replace the tires.
When you check your tire tread depth, you also want to inspect the tire pressure. Check for any visible damage, rot, and uneven wear, too.
How to Optimize Tire Tread Depth
Several factors influence tire tread depth, including driving habits and frequency. To optimize your tires and make them last as long as possible, monitor the PSI (pounds per square inch) and refill them as needed. It’s recommended that you rotate your tires when you bring your car in for an oil change, which should be every 5,000 miles.
Lastly, check your car’s alignment. If your car consistently pulls to one side, your tires will wear unevenly.
Need Tire Service? Visit Burlington Kia
Have you checked your tire tread depth and determined it’s time for a new set, or do your current tires need routine service? The team at Burlington Kia is here to meet all your needs! Drivers in Burlington, Princeton, and Trenton, NJ, can contact us today to shop for tires or schedule a service appointment!