Whether your car slipped dangerously at a stoplight, or you skidded out during a storm, you’re worried about your tire grooves. Are they worn or damaged? If so, they may not have traction to grip the road. Even small degradation in the treads can lead to longer braking times. The difference between “scary near misses” and “serious wrecks” often boil down to milliseconds. So you owe it yourself and to others on the road to ensure that your tire treads are in shipshape.

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How to Test Tire Treads

Take a penny, and insert the coin into the tire’s grooves at various points, particularly where you suspect wear and tear. If Lincoln’s head is obscured, you have at least 2/32” tread left. Do the same process with a quarter. If the tread buries Washington’s head, your remaining tread depth is at least 4/32”. Do this process for all the tires, particularly where you suspect the grooves may be worn. Uneven treading is a red flag, even if you’ve got enough depth to satisfy minimum safety requirements. Consider getting your tires rotated or inspected for pressure problems.

Different Road Conditions Require Different Tread Depths

At a minimum, you’ll need 2/32” of treading, anywhere you go. If you drive in slushy, muddy, or snowy conditions, your minimum is 4/32” depth. Many experts say that if the tread depth is less than 7/32”, the tire’s service life should be considered over. Some manufacturers put special components into tires, known as “wear bars,” to help you track tire degradation. If you can see the wear bar, it’s definitely time for new tires.

Replacing Worn Tires in the Bay Area

Where can you find effective tires and other auto parts to match your price point and the vehicle’s recommended specs? We at Rock & Roll Recycling invite you to connect with us and browse our large online catalog. We know that safety is your number one priority, and we can help you minimize both the disruption and cost of tire repair/replacement.

Learn more about our auto recycling team online, or call us today at 925.224.9944 for a free and thorough discussion about how to deal with your worn down tire treads.