LEARN How to MEASURE Tire Life, by ManiZilla on YouTube. 6 min 39 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 39 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
What you need
Steps
Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and check that your tires are cold. Low tire pressure wears the edges faster, so check and adjust pressure first.
Find the wear bars, the small raised ridges inside the main grooves. If the tread sits level with them, the tire is worn out and needs replacing.
Push a tread depth gauge into a main groove and press the collar flat against the tread. Read the depth on the scale.
Measure at least three spots on each tire: both outer grooves and the center. Write down the lowest number, since that is the true remaining tread.
No gauge? Use a penny. Push Lincoln's head into a groove upside down. If you can see the top of his head, you have less than 2/32 inch left.
Repeat on all four tires and the spare, then compare the numbers. Replace any tire at 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or when the wear bars show.
Tips and common mistakes
The common legal minimum is 2/32 inch (1.6 mm), but wet grip drops sharply below 4/32 inch (3 mm).
Measure when tires are cold and out of direct sun, because heat changes pressure and can affect readings.
Check tread once a month and before long trips, and record the numbers so you can spot slow wear.
Work on level ground with the parking brake on, and never crawl under a car held only by a jack.
Questions
Where exactly do I measure tread depth?
Measure in the main grooves that run around the tire, not the small side slits. Take three readings across the tread and use the lowest one.
How often should I check my tire tread?
Check once a month and before long trips. Also check after hitting a curb or driving on rough roads.
What tread depth means a tire is too worn?
2/32 inch (1.6 mm) is the common legal limit, and 4/32 inch (3 mm) is a good warning point for wet weather.
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.
