How Can I Measure My Tire Tread Depth?
Your tire tread must be a certain level or you will face a moving violation. According to Minnesota law, your vehicle’s front tires must have at least 4/32-of-an-inch of tread on them. The rear tires can go a little bit lower, but you’ll get in trouble if they are lower than 2/32-of-an-inch. You can measure your tire tread yourself. There are two ways to do it; one is general and the other is exact. If you prefer, we here at Total Auto Care can also inspect and measure your tire tread depth. Let’s talk about this further.
Penny
The general way to measure your tire tread depth is to grab a penny from your pocket and use it as your measuring instrument. It’s important to understand that measuring your tire tread depth this way is very much a general measurement. Your tire tread depth could be too low even if it passes the penny tire tread test. Nonetheless, this is a quick and easy way to check the depth.Pull your vehicle out into bright light and set the parking brake. Make sure to block the wheels if you are parked on an incline. Grab your penny and insert it in between the tire tread rows in many different places on each tire. You will be inserting the penny with the head side facing you and the top of the head pointing toward the tires.If the tire tread covers a part of President Lincoln’s head, it is believed that you still have enough tire tread depth and do not need a new set of tires. If the tread does not cover any of the president’s head, your tire tread depth is too low and you need a new set of tires.
Gauge
If you feel more comfortable getting an exact measurement, purchase a tire tread gauge. This gauge will give you the exact tread depth in both standard and metric measurements. As you would do with the penny test, park your car in bright light and secure it so it does not roll. Insert the tire tread gauge between the tread rows around all four tires. Read the measurements.
Us
Perhaps you don’t want to be bothered with either test, and we can understand that. You’ve got a busy schedule. If you would prefer, you can bring your automobile to our North Branch auto shop and we will measure the tire tread depth for you.We are Total Auto Care, and we are located in North Branch, MN. Call us today.