Department of Transportation regulations say the tread depth for any tire on the front wheels of a bus, truck or truck tractor must be at least 4/32nds when measured at any point on a major tread groove. All other tires on the vehicle must have a tread depth of at least 2/32nds.
What is the minimum tread depth required?
2/32 of an inch
Most states require a minimum of 2/32 of an inch (approximately 1.6 mm) of tread, but two require less, some have no requirements, and some defer to the federal criterion for commercial vehicle safety inspections.
What is the ideal tread depth?
Good tire tread depth will be 6/32 or deeper. If the depth is 4/32, you should start thinking of replacing your tires and getting new ones. 2/32 or less means that you should change your tires ASAP.
What does 3/32 tire tread mean?
5/32” If wet roads are a concern, consider replacing your tires. 4/32” – 3/32” Seriously consider replacing your tires as soon as possible. 2/32” Your tires are legally bald and need to be replaced.
What is unsafe tread depth?
A tire with a tread depth below 1.6 millimeters (2/32 inches) lacks grip. Braking distance and vehicle control are impaired. These tires are not safe for driving and must be replaced.
What tread depth is 50%?
For example, a tire that started with 10/32″ of original tread depth and has worn off 4/32″ (down to 6/32″ of remaining tread depth) is 50% worn. 8/32″ of useable tread depth.
What does 5 32nds mean?
This means you have 5/32 of 1 inch of tread remaining on your car tires. On most passenger car tires, this represents approximately 60% wear so you may want to start thinking about choosing a replacement set. Related questions (More answers below) Why does my right tire keep losing air?
How many miles is 1/32 of tread?
You can expect your tread to go down 1/32 of an inch every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, depending on the tire. As your tire’s tred wears down, the grooves between your treads will steadily become more shallow.
Are 5 32 tires safe?
5/32” is still sufficient in most cases, but tires may start to lose traction on wet roads. 4-3/32” is the level at which you should think about choosing a new tire/set of tires. 2/32” is the average legal minimum for tread depth; at this level your tires are considered bald and unsafe.
At what 32nds should I replace my tires?
2/32”
Check For Tread Depth
To meet legal safety standards in the U.S., a tire’s tread needs to be at least 2/32” deep. If the tires do not meet the 2/32” standard or are approaching not meeting it, you should replace your tires.
Do I need to replace tires at 4 32?
Put George Washington’s head into one of the big grooves. If the top of his head is flush with the tread, you have about 4⁄32 inch of tread left, meaning you have some grip remaining for rainy or snowy conditions. That’s the time when you should start shopping for new tires.
How many 32nds are safe for tires?
Tires are considered to be worn out at 2/32″ minimum tread depth. In wet conditions, 4/32″ or less tread means a significant loss of wet traction due to shallower grooves and sipes. In most states, a tire is legally worn out at 2/32″, but its ability to stop is severely compromised at 4/32″.
How many miles will 3mm tread last?
10,000-20,000 miles
With all the possible variables taken into account, the minimum average period 3mm of tyre tread depth will last before it reaches the legal limit of 1.6mm is between would be 10,000-20,000 miles but it could be considerably more than that.
How long will 4mm tread last?
He says research carried out by Michelin shows that changing a tyre with 3mm or 4mm of tread remaining – instead of 1.6mm – equates on average to an extra tyre per company car every two years.
What tread depth fails NYSI?
3) Safe wheels and tires. On each tire, if any 2 adjacent treads have less than 2/32”, if there is a 1” cut that shows the metal cords, it has bulges or knots indicating a tire failure or internal separation, it will fail.
How do you measure tread depth without a gauge?
Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of the head, your tire tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.
Is the penny test for tires accurate?
Tire Rack, which studies and sells tires, says that the penny test is outdated and that drivers should use a quarter instead. The quarter gives a measurement of an eighth of an inch instead of a 16th.
How long will a tire last with 5 32 tread?
Normally, used tires last 2-5 years if bought in adequate condition. A 2-year-old tire with no damage, patches, uneven wear, and with about 8/32” tread left, may last for good 5 years. A 4-year-old tire with 5/32” tread left, and without any significant plugs or cuts, may last a further 2 years.
Is 6 32 tire tread still good?
6/32” Your tire’s tread depth is sufficient for 3-seasons but nearing minimum for a winter tire. 5/32” If wet roads are a concern, consider replacing your tires. 4/32” – 3/32” Seriously consider replacing your tires as soon as possible. If it’s a winter tire, 4/32” is the minimum.
Is 5 mm tread OK?
While a new car tyre begins life with approximately 8mm of tread, the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm. However, most motoring organisations recommend changing your tyres before the tread gets to this level.
Should I replace my tires at 1 32?
The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires when they reach 2/32”, and many states legally require tires to be replaced at this depth.