How to Measure Tyre Tread Depth Accurately

The tread on your tyres ensures your security. It adheres to the road when you make a sudden stop. It takes away water when it's pouring. Yet, many motorists ignore their tyres until a problem arises. Tread depth inspection should always be one of the maintenance activities for your automobile.

Tyre tread wear is considered risky. However, detection at an early stage guarantees your safety.

Why tread depth is about more than looks

The grooves of the tread perform a genuine task. They remove the water so that the tyres do not lose their grip on the road. They help hold the surface when you need to stop quickly.

In most countries, the legal minimum is around 1.6 mm. Nonetheless, professionals advise changing the tyres before you reach that level. Worn-out tread causes longer stopping distances. It also means a higher chance of slipping on a wet road.

But the question is, how would you tell when your tread is worn out?

Simple ways to measure tread depth

Using a coin

Get any coin from your pocket. It can be of any denomination.

Place the coin into the tread groove that is the deepest. If the majority of the coin is visible above the tread level, it is a warning sign.

This method provides only a quick check. However, for true accuracy, something more precise is required.

Using a tread depth gauge

A tread depth gauge is designed specifically to be a small tool. Insert the probe into the main groove. Apply pressure till it lies flat. Now, take the reading in millimetres.

Be sure to check three locations on each tyre – the inner, middle, and outer edges. Tyres may not wear out uniformly at times.

If any spot measures below 2 mm, it's time for new tyres.

Built-in wear indicators

Scrutinise the grooves. You would notice that there are tiny raised bars that are crossing the grooves. Replacement of the tyre is needed when the tread has worn down to the same level as these bars.

It is a non-tool method, but it only warns you at the time of minimum wear.

Regularly checking your tyres is essential.

First, check the tyre tread by steering to the side and looking at the flat surface area. It is a good idea to park your vehicle on flat ground to do this.

Furthermore, you need to clean the grooves of your tyres so that you can see the tread more clearly. Get rid of all the dirt and stones. You should check all four tyres since the front ones do wear out faster. You can also learn how to check tyre pressure without a gauge here.

Taking monthly measurements or before long trips is a good practice.

When to call the experts

Some cases require quick action. Tread less than 2 mm on any of the tyres. Deformation of the tyre due to cracks, cuts, or bulges. Unbalanced wear or a shaking sensation while driving. Tyres that are more than five years old.

It is also advisable to check your tyre pressure when monitoring tread depth. A tyre gauge inflator takes care of pressure; thus, one can have uniformly worn tyre tread as a result.

Get expert help when you need it

Rema Tip Top has been recognised in tyre care for over a hundred years, and their service partners utilise professional tyre tread depth gauge tools, which can detect issues that might go unnoticed by you. Amongst other things, they look for and point out uneven wear, sidewall damage, and other safety concerns.

When you go to a Rema Tip Top shop, you gain access to professional know-how and quality repair materials at the same time. They enable your tyres to run for a longer period and perform optimally.