How to Read a Tire Tread Depth Gauge?
2 Answers
Here are the detailed instructions on how to use a tire tread depth gauge: 1. Impact: When the tire wears down to a tread groove depth of only 1.6 millimeters, it must be replaced. At this point, the "wear indicator" rubber strip running across the tread will become clearly visible, indicating that the tire should be replaced immediately. Otherwise, while driving, the tire may experience slipping, which can extend braking distance. In severe cases, when driving on wet or slippery roads, the tire may experience "hydroplaning," causing the steering wheel and brakes to fail, leading to safety accidents. It also increases the risk of a tire blowout. 2. Function: If you have a tire tread depth gauge, you can insert its tip into several main tread grooves in the same cross-section of the tire tread to measure their depth. This will give you a set of values, from which you can calculate the average. If you frequently drive at high speeds, it is recommended to replace the tire as soon as possible when the remaining tread groove depth measures below 3 millimeters.
I see the tire tread depth gauge is quite simple. It's just a small plastic or metal ruler specifically designed to measure the depth of the grooves in the tire tread. To use it, insert the head of the gauge into the groove, push it to the deepest point, and then read the measurement in millimeters. New tires have a tread depth of 7 to 8 millimeters, which wears down over time with driving. The key thing to remember is that the minimum safe tread depth is 1.6 millimeters. Below this, the tires are more likely to slip on wet roads or during emergency braking, posing a safety risk. I recommend checking the tread depth once a week, measuring at several points like the inner and outer edges of the tire, as wear can be uneven. You can also use a coin as a quick check: insert it upside down into the tread, and if you can still see the small chrysanthemum pattern on the edge of the coin, it's time to replace the tire. Developing this habit can help prevent accidents and save fuel.
