Tire tread depth is an important aspect of tires that car owners should be aware of. Here is a brief explanation of what it is and how to measure it.

Why It Is Important:

Traction and Grip:

The deeper the treads, the better traction tires will have, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Shallow treads can lead to aquaplaning/hydroplaning, where the tire loses contact with the road surface due to water buildup.

Safety:

Proper tread depth allows for effective braking and handling. Shallow treads can impair braking distance and make your vehicle harder to control.

Legal Requirements:

Many places have minimum tread depth regulations. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, the legal minimum is generally 2/32 of an inch, and the tires should not be older than 10 years.

What Tread Depth Should Your Tires Have? 

New tires typically come with a tread depth of 10/32” to 11/32”. The more the tires are used, the less the tread depth becomes. Let’s look at the acceptable and unacceptable tire tread depths:

A tire tread depth of 9/32” to 8/32” is considered good. Anywhere between 7/32” and 4/32” is acceptable and the tires are still good for use. Anything below 4/32” is when you should consider switching up your tires. While the legal limit in Ontario is 2/32”, it becomes unsafe to drive around with tires this shallow.

Winter tires are different and should have deeper treads than summer tires. Transport Canada mentions that winter tires should not be used past a tread depth of 5/32” as they tend to lose traction on snow. Manufacturers also include the Alpine symbol on their tires to help drivers identify tires with the highest quality of snow traction.

 Alpine Logo

How To Measure It:

Tire Wear Bars:

Tire wear bars are small bars placed around the tire grooves that show how much your tires have been worn down. They are visual representations of the amount of tread left on the tires. When the bars are even with the tread depth, your tires must be changed.

Using a Tread Depth Gauge:

• Digital or Analog Gauge: These small can be purchased online or at automotive stores. Place the gauge into the tread grooves and read the measurement directly. Luckily, TireTopia provides a free Tire Depth Guage with every purchase.
• Steps:

1. Insert the needle of the gauge into the tread groove.
2. Press down until the gauge’s base is aligned with the tire.
3. Read the depth on the gauge’s display or dial.

Using a Penny or a Quarter:

• Penny Test (For 2/32”): Insert a penny into the tread groove with the head facing down. If you can see the top of the head, your tread is worn to 2/32” or less.
• Quarter Test (For 4/32”): Insert a quarter into the tread groove with the caribou’s nose facing down. If you can see the caribou’s nose, your tread is at or below 4/32” and it’s time for a tire change.