Tire tread is the one part of your vehicle that regularly comes in contact with the road. It’s essential for providing a smooth and steady ride since completely bald tires are likely to slide and spin out of control as they can’t grab the road’s surface. Here’s a guide to help you understand the tread on your tires and avoid potential issues.

Tread Requirements

Ideally, tires should have about 6/32 of an inch worth of tread. If the tread measures 4/32 or less, it’s time to think about changing them. Tread at 2/32 or less is considered bald and may lead to slippage on the roads.

There are tire tread gauges that can help you measure the exact depth. However, if you don’t have this tool, you can easily use a penny instead. Place the top of the coin into the tread. If you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low. If part of his head is covered, your tread still has some life left.

Tread Issues 

Ideally, the tread should wear evenly throughout the life of your tires. If it wears unevenly, it could indicate problems with your vehicle and likely means your tires will need to be replaced sooner than you thought.

One common issue is improper inflation. If tires are overinflated, the tread in the middle will wear more quickly; if they’re under-inflated, the tread along the edges wears faster. Another common issue is called scalloping, which causes dips along the tread lines. This generally indicates problems with the vehicle’s suspension. Tread that favors the inner or outer edge may be due to the wheels being slightly tilted, and wear on the front or back tires may indicate improper load distribution.

If you need new tires or want to address issues with tread wear, contact Warrenton Tire & Muffler in Missouri. The auto repair shop carries a full selection of Goodyear and Michelin tires. The well-trained staff also provides repairs when needed. The family-owned and -operated business has been serving the community for more than 38 years, so you can always count on honest service at affordable prices. Visit the website to shop for tires, or call (636) 456-4355 to make an appointment.