If you haven’t checked your tire tread depth in a while, add this to your DIY weekend project list. It’s quick and easy to check, but more importantly, it’s important that you do so regularly to make sure that the tread is wearing down evenly and there aren’t any noticeable signs of tire damage. 2000 Auto offers a couple of ways to measure your depth below. Please keep in mind, however, that one is more accurate than the other.
Head to the Auto Parts Store
If you are looking for an accurate measurement, head to the local auto parts store and buy a depth gauge. This will measure your tires’ treads in both standard and metric measurements to give you an exact reading. Florida tire tread depth law requires that all tires on moving automobiles have a tread depth of at least 1/16-of-an-inch. Once your tire tread depth reaches this measurement, you must replace your tires or run the risk of getting a moving violation.
With the depth gauge in hand, park your automobile in an open area where you can see the tires easily. Make sure to do this safely, i.e., set the parking brake and put bricks in front of the wheels so your automobile doesn’t roll. Visually inspect each tire thoroughly to see if you can find any spots of uneven wear or signs of other damage, such as bubbling on the sides of the tires. If you do have damaged tires, replace them immediately.
If the tires look fine, insert the gauge in between the rows of tire tread in many different places around each tire to get the measurements. If the measurements are significantly different around one or more of your tires, the tire tread is wearing down unevenly. If the measurements are pretty much the same, the tread is wearing down evenly. If any of the tires measure at 1/16-inch or lower, schedule an appointment to replace that tire.
Grab a Penny or Quarter From Your Wallet
Another way to test the tread depth on all of your vehicle’s tires is to grab a penny or quarter and use the president’s head as your measuring gauge. Turn the coin so that the top of Abraham Lincoln or George Washington’s head is inserted between the tire tread rows. Insert the coin between the rows as you would if you were using a tire tread gauge. Provided a portion of the president’s head is covered with tire tread your tires are still okay.
If you can see all of the head, your tires need to be replaced, so give 2000 Auto in Melbourne, FL, a call to schedule an appointment.