Tire Ratings – Checking Tire Treadwear

For checking on the tire ratings for treadwear, there is a pretty simple test you can use to see if treadwear is beyond your current tire ratings.

The specifications are put out by the US Department of Transportation. In general they suggest “the tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your vehicle from slipping or sliding, especially when the road is wet or icy. Tires are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch.”

Two Ways to Check for Tire Treadwear

1. Tires have built-in treadwear indicators that let you know when it is time to replace your tires. These indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread grooves. When they appear “even” with the outside of the tread, it is time to replace your tires.
2. Another method for checking tread depth is to place a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you are ready for new tires.

From here you should be able to see clearly if you need to get new tires. When checking you should be careful to check each tire since under and over inflation of car tires during their life can cause uneven wear on the tires. In particular you should be careful to check the middle of the tread on the tire to check for treadwear. In the middle of the tread is where excessive treadwear can hide if tires are overinflated during their life.

When you are done, review the information against the tire ratings provided by the manufacturer more can be found at the following sites: The Tire Rack, andTires Easy.