What is tread?
Tread is the pattern around the tire that comes in contact with the road. Think of it like the rubber patterns on the bottom of a running shoe: when it’s worn down, it needs replacing! It’s there so the car has traction. It becomes even more important on wet surfaces, as the tread allows water to move beneath the tire. Losing traction from water being beneath your vehicle is called hydroplaning.
How to measure tread
The easiest, and most common, technique for measuring tire tread is the Lincoln penny test. If you have a penny with honest Abe on it, then you’re set. Start by holding the penny upside down and inserting it into the tread…. and you’re done! All you need to do is give it a look to determine if you’ve got adequate amount of tread.
- If you can see all of Lincoln’s head: Replace your tires. Right now.
- If Lincoln’s hair on top of his head is partially visible: Keep an eye on your tires, and start shopping around.
- If the hair on top of his head is completely covered, as is part of his forehead, then you’re good for now.
Remember to check in a variety of spots, as the wear isn’t always uniform.
Take feel into account
Studies have shown that the amount of tread on a tire greatly impacts stopping time in slick conditions. If you’re not comfortable with how long it’s taking you to break and safely come to a stop, then you should look into replacing your tires. Tires are considered unsafe when they fall between 2/32 in. That said, many prefer to have 4/32 in. in snowy or wet conditions where more traction is imperative for safety.
What if I don’t drive much?
Even vehicles that don’t get much mileage need routine tire replacements. It’s recommended that tires are replaced about every six years, regardless of how much tread is remaining. For a more specific estimate, check your owner’s manual to see what is recommended for your vehicle.
We at Holiday Ford offer a variety of services, including tire rotation, tire balance, front end alignment, and much more. We also have an online tire store where you can search for you make and model, and we’ll pull up results for exactly what you need.
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