Keeping your car’s tire tread at an acceptable level is crucial regarding safety. Although small, the grooves in a tire do wonders to keep you safely cruising along on the open road. Here’s how you can quickly check if your tire tread is in good shape or if it’s time to consider a replacement. 

The Importance of Tire Tread & Testing Techniques

State Requirements & Safety Considerations

In Missouri (and 41 other states in the country), the law states that tires must have a tread of at least 2/32”. Anything lower violates the law and increases the risk of an accident. When tire tread wears below that point, inclement conditions such as rain, snow, and ice are extremely difficult to navigate. Because of these dangers, test the tread on all of your vehicle’s tires regularly.

Testing Tread With the Coin Method

Measuring the tread of your tires is quick and can be done with just a penny. Insert the coin into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing downward. If any part of the president’s head is covered by the tire, you have at least 2/32” of tread left. As the tread wears down, Lincoln’s head will be more and more visible. If you notice that none of the head is covered by the tire, it’s time for a replacement. Perform this test on various areas of all four tires regularly to stay ahead of any troubling tread issues.

It’s important to note, however, that a tire’s ability to grip the road is reduced as the tread wears down, so 2/32” should be the absolute lowest you should ever let it go. Being proactive and replacing a tire at around 4/32” is a good way of staying as safe as possible.

If you’re in need of new tires, Mullanphy Tire & Automotive in Florissant, MO, is ready to provide the equipment. With an inventory of high-quality items, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for with the help of one of the highly experienced technicians on staff. The shop also takes pride in offering expert maintenance services using high-tech diagnostic equipment. Visit the website for more information the services provided or call (314) 921-4961 to speak with a friendly representative today.