How to check tire tread depth on a semi-truck, by schneiderjobs on YouTube. 2 min 38 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 38 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Park on flat, firm ground, set the parking brake and shut off the engine before you start walking around the tires.
Know the limits for each position. In the US, steer tires usually need at least 4/32 inch of tread and all other tires at least 2/32 inch.
Push the probe of a tread depth gauge into a main groove until the flat base sits against the tread.
Read the number where the barrel meets the top of the gauge and write it down.
Repeat in at least three grooves around the tire and on both edges, because wear is rarely even.
For the penny test, push a penny into a groove upside down with Lincoln's head pointing down.
If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, tread is at or near 2/32 inch and that tire is worn out.
If a tire fails, take the truck out of service and have the tire replaced or retreaded before you drive it.
Log the readings and repeat the check at every pre-trip inspection so you can spot wear early.
Tips and common mistakes
Measure inside the main grooves, not on the raised wear indicator bars.
Check tires when the truck is parked in a safe spot, never from a live traffic lane or while crouched under the trailer.
Wear that is much worse on one edge usually points to alignment or inflation problems, so get it checked.
Keep a gauge in the cab. A penny is handy, but a gauge gives the exact number in 32nds of an inch.
Questions
Can I just use a penny instead of a gauge?
A penny is fine for a fast check, but a gauge gives an exact reading in 32nds of an inch. That matters when a tire is close to the legal limit.
How often should I check tread depth?
Check at least once a week and during every pre-trip inspection. Also check any tire that looks low, worn or damaged.
Do tires need to match across an axle?
Follow your company or tire maker guidance. Big differences in tread depth across an axle can affect traction and handling.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
