How Do I Check Tire Tread Depth?

Man Measuring Tire Tread

Learning how to check tire tread depth only takes a minute, and understanding how it’s done will help you drive more securely on the roads near San Diego. In fact, regularly checking your tread wear should be an important part of every driver’s maintenance regimen, along with regular tire rotation and wheel alignment. We’ve broken down everything you know below.

What Is My Recommended Tire Tread Depth?

New tires generally come with a standard tread depth of roughly ⅓ of an inch–either 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch, to be exact. Precise measurements will vary if you buy specialized winter tires or off-roading tires, but you can expect most tires to tolerate similar amounts of wear. It’s essential to replace your tires if the tread depth falls below 2/32 of an inch. That’s the guideline given by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which recognizes significant declines in safety for drivers who continue to use tires past this point.

How to Check Tread Wear with The Penny Test

The next time someone asks you, “How do I check tire tread wear at home?” you can tell them that they only need a penny! If you don’t have a ruler or a tire tread gauge on hand, take the following steps to find out if you’re due for tire replacement:

  1. Take your penny, and insert it into the groove with Lincoln’s head downward. He should be facing you.
  2. Check to see if Lincoln’s head is covered. If you can see all of his face, it’s time to replace that tire.
  3. Check each tire at multiple locations. If there are significant differences between your tires, it may be time for a tire rotation or a realignment.

Interested in ensuring even wear for the years to come? Although it’s easy to schedule service, you may enjoy rotating your tires at home!

Caring for Your Acura Tires

Most new Acura vehicles will come with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System™ that tells you when you’re low on pressure. With this monitor and a penny, you’ll be able to guard against most problems. However, there are a few other things you should look for when you’re getting up close and personal with your tires.  Here are the most important signs that it’s time to trade up or pay us a visit:

  • Cracks in the tire walls
  • Tire bubbling
  • Frequent or dramatic shifts in tire pressure
  • Tire rot or disintegration
  • Uneven wear that isn’t solved by tire rotation

Tire Care Made Easy, at Kearny Mesa Acura

Before you go looking for a new set of tires near Carlsbad or National City, check out the parts coupons that you can take advantage of at Kearny Mesa Acura. We’ve made it easy to find the right tires at the right price when you visit our tire center.

Hoping to get a better grasp of DIY car care while you’re here? Take advantage of our guide on how to check your oil level at home.

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    How much does a car battery cost? An Acura car battery replacement near San Diego could range between $75 to $200. At Kearny Mesa Acura, we offer a wide selection of Acura batteries. Our top-of-the-line batteries are made specifically for your Acura MDX and Acura ILX, so you can ensure they will run great. Learn more about replacing…

Kearny Mesa Acura 32.8304924, -117.1434828.