How thick are car tires generally?
2 Answers
Generally, the tread thickness of car tires is about 13mm, specifically consisting of 7mm tread pattern depth and 6mm tread thickness. Car tires usually adhere to technical standards, except for all-rubber tubeless tires. Typically, sharp objects exceeding 0.8cm can easily puncture car tires; for small trucks, sharp objects over 1.5cm are prone to damage tires; while for large trucks and buses, sharp objects around 2.5cm can puncture tires. Car tires are one of the crucial components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface and working together with the suspension system to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smoothness, as well as maintaining excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road surface.
I have been driving for many years and have a good understanding of tires. The thickness of car tires mainly refers to the tread depth, which is typically between 7 to 10 millimeters when new, depending on the brand and model. For example, standard tires from Michelin or Bridgestone usually start around 8 millimeters and become thinner with wear over time. It becomes extremely dangerous when the tread wears down to 1.6 millimeters because the poor drainage increases the risk of skidding in wet conditions. I often use a tread depth gauge to check my tires; modern tire designs are better, maintaining thickness longer, but driving 10,000 kilometers a year may result in a loss of 1-2 millimeters. Incorrect tire pressure can accelerate wear, leading to uneven thickness and compromising safety. I recommend checking the tread depth monthly using simple tools like the coin method: insert a 1-yuan coin, and if the tread doesn’t cover half of it, it’s time to replace. Ignoring this issue increases the risk of blowouts—I’ve seen accidents caused by thin tires. In short, normal new tire thickness is 7-10 millimeters, but maintenance is key.
