Checking your tire tread depth is an essential part of vehicle maintenance that helps ensure your safety on the road. As tires wear down over time, their ability to grip the road—especially in challenging conditions like rain or snow—diminishes. Regularly monitoring tread depth not only keeps your tires functional but also helps you identify potential safety risks and know when it’s time for a replacement.
Fortunately, checking tire tread depth is quick and easy and requires no specialized tools. In this article, we'll discuss why maintaining proper tire tread depth matters, how to check it, and what steps to take to keep your tires in top shape.
What is tire tread and why is it important?
Tire tread refers to the grooves and channels on a tire’s surface that contact the road. The tread design varies depending on the tire type, with some focused on handling wet, snowy, or off-road conditions, while others prioritize performance or fuel efficiency. As tires wear down, their ability to channel water away from the road decreases, raising the risk of hydroplaning—a situation where tires lose traction and skid on water.
In snowy or icy conditions, worn tread reduces a tire's grip on the surface, increasing the chance of losing control. Proper tread depth also plays a critical role in braking, as tires with deeper tread can stop a vehicle faster, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
You measure tread depth in 32nds of an inch, with new tires typically starting at 10/32” to 12/32”. When the tread wears to 2/32” or less, the tires are considered unsafe and need replacing. Regularly checking tread depth is essential to ensure safety and maintain optimal vehicle performance.
Checking Your Tire Tread: The Penny Test
The penny test is one of the quickest and most effective ways to check your tire tread depth. This simple method uses an ordinary penny to determine if your tires have enough tread to keep you safe on the road.
To perform the test, insert a penny into the grooves of your tire tread with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing downward. Ensure the top of Lincoln’s head is touching the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is too shallow (less than 2/32”), and you should replace the tires immediately. If the tread covers part of Lincoln’s head, your tires have enough tread depth and are safe to use.
The penny test is a quick, cost-free way to evaluate your tires, but it’s essential to check multiple areas on each tire since tread wear can be uneven. If you’re unsure of the results or notice irregular wear patterns, consult a professional tire technician for a more thorough inspection. Regular checks like this can help ensure your safety and prolong the life of your tires.
Can tire tread impact your auto insurance claim?
Frequently checking the depth of your tire tread is crucial for road safety and auto insurance coverage. Worn-out tires significantly reduce traction, especially in snowy or wet conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. If insufficient tread causes an accident, your auto insurance could be impacted, potentially leading to denials when you file a claim or increased premiums.
By monitoring your tire tread depth, you confirm your tires have the grip needed for safe driving, reducing the chances of accidents and protecting your insurance standing. It’s a simple yet essential way to safeguard your safety and finances.
Stay Safe On the Road With SelectQuote
Maintaining proper tire tread depth is crucial for your vehicle’s safety and the protection of your auto insurance policy. At SelectQuote, we know the importance of staying proactive with vehicle maintenance and ensuring your comprehensive and up-to-date insurance coverage. While regularly checking your tire tread is a key part of vehicle upkeep, having an auto insurance policy that meets your needs is just as important.
Whether you’re shopping for coverage for the first time or looking to update an existing policy, our licensed insurance agents are here to help. With SelectQuote, you’ll receive unbiased quotes from several of the nation’s most trusted carriers, all in one place. We make it easy to compare options and confidently choose the right coverage at the best price.
