How to Check Your Tire Tread

Because the tires on your car are in constant contact with the road, it is extremely important that you ensure they are in good condition at all times. Regular tire rotation helps to make your tires last longer, but routinely checking tire tread depth is easy to do and can alert you to any potential problems before they compromise your safety on Irvine-area roads. How do I check tire tread wear? Just follow the steps in this guide from the auto service experts at Weir Canyon Honda.

Why is Checking Tire Tread Depth So Important?

Driving on bald or balding tires increases the likelihood of a flat tire or potential blowout, something no one wants to experience on Yorba Linda roads. Regularly inspecting your tire pressure and checking tread depth can help you to increase safety and ensure that you enjoy maximum traction and control in all kinds of weather and road conditions. It will also help you to get the most out of your Honda CR-V MPG, and enhance your Honda Ridgeline towing capability.

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth?

Brand new tires typically come with a tread depth of 10/32” to 11/32”. Once they wear down to 2/32” or less of tread depth, you will need to replace them. Off-roading tires, winter tires, and some truck and SUV tires have deeper treads. Your owner’s manual will likely have information regarding tread depth on these kinds of tires. Not sure if the tires on your Honda need to be replaced? Stop by the Weir Canyon Honda Service Center in Anaheim. Our certified technicians can inspect your tires for you and install new ones if needed. We will also be happy to help you understand what the code on your tires means, so you can choose the right tires for your car, truck, or SUV.

The Penny Test

How do you check your tire tread depth? Specialized tire tread depth gauges are available at auto part shops and hardware stores throughout the Tustin area. Even if you don’t have a tread depth gauge, you can rely on the penny test.

1. Insert a penny into a tire tread groove, with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you.
2. If Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, then you have enough tread depth remaining.
3. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then your tire treads are 2/32” deep or less, and it’s time to get a new tire.
4. Make sure to check the depth on all four tires and in different locations on each tire to determine if they are wearing evenly. Uneven wear could indicate that you should have the tires rotated or the wheel aligned.
5. Most new tires come with tread wear indicator bars that show when the tread has worn down. They are located at the bottom of the tread grooves in several locations on the tire. When the bars are flush with the tread, it means that there is 2/32” or less tread remaining.

Trust the Tire Care Experts at Weir Canyon Honda

Still wondering, “How do I check tire tread wear?” You can count on the tire care professionals at Weir Canyon Honda. Whether your Honda is in need of a tire rotation or wheel alignment or if your car is due for its next oil change or brake replacement, schedule a service appointment with us and put our skilled technicians to work for you today! Make sure to check out our current service specials and coupons to save on your next Honda maintenance service. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Service Center. Meanwhile, check out our auto service tips for advice on on everything from how to unlock a steering wheel to how to jump start a car.