What is the thickness of car tires?
2 Answers
The thickness of car tires is approximately 13mm, while the sidewall thickness is about 5mm. Car tires can be classified into different types based on their structure: pneumatic tires and solid tires according to the carcass structure; high-pressure tires, low-pressure tires, and ultra-low-pressure tires based on the internal air pressure; tubed tires and tubeless tires depending on their composition; and radial tires and bias-ply tires according to the arrangement of internal cord layers and cushion layers. Situations requiring tire replacement include: 1. Tires with cracks; 2. Tires that have been repaired more than three times; 3. Tires with severe sidewall scratches; 4. Severe wear on the tire shoulder or sidewall; 5. Deformed tread or damaged rim; 6. Severe aging and peeling; 7. Tread pattern below the wear indicator; 8. Bulging tires.
The issue of tire thickness is something I've deeply understood after driving for most of my life. New tires typically have a tread depth of 8 to 10 millimeters, but they gradually wear thin with road use. The safety standard is not to go below 1.6 millimeters; otherwise, traction significantly decreases in rain or snow, increasing the risk of skidding and accidents. I always use a simple test with a dime: if the coin inserted into the tread doesn’t cover the head, it’s time to replace the tire. It’s also important to pay attention to the type of tire—summer tires are thinner for better fuel efficiency, while winter tires are thicker for enhanced grip. I recommend checking them monthly, along with rotating their positions and maintaining the correct tire pressure, such as 32-35 PSI, which can extend their lifespan by thousands of miles. Don’t underestimate this small matter—it can truly save lives.
