What is the thickness of a car tire?
3 Answers
Car tires have a thickness of approximately 13mm, with the sidewall thickness being around 5mm. Car tires are one of the crucial components of a vehicle, as they directly interact with the road surface. The classification of car tires is as follows: By structure: Car tires can be divided into pneumatic tires and solid tires based on the carcass structure. By pressure: Depending on the internal air pressure, they can be categorized into high-pressure tires, low-pressure tires, and ultra-low-pressure tires. By composition: Based on the structural composition, they can be classified into tube tires and tubeless tires. By arrangement: According to the arrangement of internal cord plies and cushion layers, they can be divided into radial tires and bias tires.
Recently when I checked my car's tires, I noticed the tread depth had worn down significantly. New tires typically start with 8-10mm of tread depth when first installed, but after just 2-3 years of driving, it can wear down to around 2mm - which is quite alarming. I once experienced skidding on a rainy day, and upon measuring afterwards, found the tread was only 1.5mm deep - below the 1.6mm safety standard. Now I know to check regularly, using the Lincoln coin test every quarter: insert the coin upside down into the tread, and if Lincoln's head is fully visible, it's time to replace the tires. It's not just about safety; worn tires also reduce braking effectiveness and increase accident risks. Driving habits matter too - avoiding sudden braking and overloading can extend tire life. I recommend getting a free measurement at a repair shop and replacing tires promptly for peace of mind.
When checking tire thickness, I focus on tread depth as the key indicator. New tires typically come with 8-10mm tread depth from factory. When worn below 2mm, traction significantly decreases. I usually use a depth gauge or simple coin test: if Lincoln's entire head is visible when inserted, it's time to replace. The safety threshold is 1.6mm, though many jurisdictions legally require exceeding this value. Insufficient depth dramatically increases wet-weather skid distance, potentially doubling braking distance. Wear factors include road roughness and driving habits like frequent sharp turns. Regular tire rotation and proper inflation promote even wear. I often remind fellow drivers to check early - don't wait until an accident happens to regret it.
