How to Check the Tread Depth of Car Tires?
2 Answers
Methods for checking the tread depth of car tires: You can use a caliper to measure the depth of the tire. Insert the tip of the caliper into several main tread grooves of the tire to detect the depth. When the tire wears down to a tread groove depth of only 1.6 millimeters, it must be replaced. Tires are circular elastic rubber products assembled on various vehicles or machinery for rolling contact with the ground. They are usually mounted on metal rims to support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, achieve contact with the road surface, and ensure the vehicle's driving performance. During driving, tires undergo various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperature effects, so they must have high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning performance.
I make it a habit to check my tire tread depth every three months, as it directly relates to driving safety. The simplest method is using a one-yuan coin for testing: insert the coin face-up into the tread groove. Under normal conditions, the tread should cover the national emblem on the coin. If the emblem is fully visible, it means the tread is too shallow and the tires need replacing. Alternatively, you can use a dedicated tire tread depth gauge by inserting it into the groove for a direct reading—if it's below 1.6 mm, it's definitely time for new tires. Remember to measure the inner, middle, and outer sections of the tire, as uneven wear on one side is quite common. Last time I noticed abnormal wear on my front tires, a check revealed an issue with the wheel alignment. Catching it early saved me the cost of replacing the entire set of tires.
