What Is the Tread Depth on a Brand New Tire?

Check your tread periodically.

Whether you are looking at old or new tires, tread depth is important to consider because it affects a tire's performance and ultimately a car's safety on the road.

Definition of Tread Depth

Tread depth is the distance from the bottom of the tire's grooves to the top of the tread rubber. In the United States, tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch.

Average Tread Depth on New Tires

New tires usually have tread depth between 10/32 and 11/32 of an inch. All-terrain, off-road and winter tires can come with deeper tread, depending on the type of tire.

When to Replace Tires

Legally, you must replace old tires in most U.S. states when the original tread has worn down to 2/32 of an inch because technically, a tire's "usable" tread is 2/32 of an inch less than its measurable depth. You can calculate a tire's tread depth by using a tread depth gauge.

References

• Tire Rack: Tire Specs Explained: Tread Depth