What is the thickness of a car tire?
4 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.
Excessively thin tires pose a significant issue, especially in terms of safety. I've found that tread depths below 1.6mm make vehicles more prone to losing control on wet roads, and extended braking distances can lead to rear-end collisions. New tires start with an 8mm tread depth standard, which gradually wears down over time. The key is to conduct monthly self-checks: insert a one-yuan coin into the tread grooves—if it doesn't cover the top of the lettering, it's dangerous. The impact goes beyond accident risks—thin tires generate more noise and increase fuel consumption. I always emphasize not overlooking this small detail; replacing them early is far cheaper than repairing accident damage.
