How to Check Your Tire Tread

No matter how vigilant you are with tire maintenance, even the sturdiest treads get worn down from time, weather, and exposure to the road eventually.

Balding tires can be a huge safety hazard on slick or wet roads around Short Pump, Ashland, and Glen Allen, but luckily Richmond Ford West is here with simple step-by-step instructions for checking your tire tread!

If you can spare a penny and a minute of your time, you can complete this tire tread test from the comfort of your own driveway. Keep reading to find out how to check your treads and determine whether you need new tires from our service team.

Measuring Tread Depth

The United States measures tire treads by ever 32^nd of an inch with most brand-new tires offering a depth of around 10/32^nds of an inch. Once your tread depths reach around 4/32^nds of an inch, keep an eye on them. They will need to be replaced soon.

• At 4/32'', your tires are still okay.
• Tires need to be replaced soon at 3/32''.
• Replace tires now if tread depths are at 2/32'' or less.

The penny test is one of the easiest ways to determine whether you need new tires. All you need to do is find a penny and insert it Lincoln's head down into the tread groove of your tires. Depending on the results of the penny test, you may need new tires immediately.

How to Read Penny Test Results

• If you see all of Lincoln's head, your tread depths are less than 2/32''. Replace your tires.
• Your tires will need to be replaced soon, but not right away, if Lincoln's head is only partially exposed.

Quarter Test - A Penny Test Alternative

Don't have a penny on hand? No worries! A quarter will do just fine.

When conducting the quarter test, insert the coin into the tire tread the same way you would with the penny. This time-wait for it-put Washington head-first into the tread. 

If Washington's head is partially covered, you have at least 4/32'' of tread depth left. Replacing your tires should be on your radar at this point, as you don't want your treads to get much shallower.

Retiring Your Treads?  Get New Tires at Richmond Ford West! 

After completing the penny or quarter test, it may be time to take your current treads out of rotation. Richmond Ford West is here to help our friends around Glen Allen, Ashland, and Short Pump who need new tires and will help you find a set that matches your vehicle's exact specifications.

Not only can you expect prompt and convenient customer service when you get new tires from the Richmond Ford West Service Center. We also provide a price match guarantee, meaning you could get a strong, sturdy set of treads at the most competitive price available!

See why Richmond Ford West was the recipient of the Dealer Rater Customer Service Award. When you need new treads, schedule a tire services appointment with Richmond Ford West.