How to Interpret Tire Tread Wear

Interpreting the tread wear on your tires can tell you whether or not you need to replace them. Proper maintenance and attention to your tires helps to keep you safe out on the road and to prevent any blow-outs or flat tires. Read on to learn how to interpret tire tread wear.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tires
• Tire pressure gauge

1. Run the palm of your hand along the outside the tire. Feel for any irregularity along the tire tread, including differences in tread and any debris, like a nail or stone, stuck in the tire.

2. Examine the inflation of your tire. Over-inflation causes your tire to wear more in the center of the tread, and under-inflation causes your tire to wear more on the outside of the tread.

3. Check the tire treads for any sharp or rough edges. Smooth tread combined with sharp, rough tread indicates your toe is out of alignment and needs an adjustment.

4. Inspect the inner and outer tire treads. Any difference in these treads can mean your camber is out of alignment and needs adjusting.

5. Feel the tire for any dips or depressions. A dip in the tread wear can be a sign of worn or bent parts in your suspension.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your tires regularly by inspecting them manually and with a tire pressure gauge.
• Take your vehicle to your local tire technician if you suspect uneven or excessive tire tread wear.
• For more information on alignment measurements such as toe and camber, please see the related eHow article titled "How to Interpret an Alignment Printout."

Resources

• ProCarCare for illustrations of tire tread wear