How to Use a Tire Tread Depth Gage
Making sure your tires have enough tread left is an important part of tire maintenance. You need a minimum of one-sixteenth of an inch of tire tread depth in most states. Less tread than that is unsafe. Checking your tire tread depth can also help identify other vehicle problems such as incorrect air pressure, worn parts and vehicle alignment issues. You can use a tire tread depth gage to measure the tread on your tires. Follow these steps to check the depth of your tire tread about every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
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Instructions
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1
Determine which type of tire tread depth gage you are using. Most tire tread depth gages measure in 32nds of an inch, but some also measure in millimeters.
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2
Confirm that the tire tread depth gage is accurate by pushing it down on a hard, flat surface. It should show zero when you press it against the ground.
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3
Press the measuring scale into the gage until it won't go any further.
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4
Place the metal part of the tire tread depth gage (the probe) into the tire tread groove, the area where it dips down.
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5
Push the base of the tire tread depth gage down until it is flush with the top of the tire.
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6
Remove the gage carefully without touching the probe or the scale.
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Check the tire tread depth by reading the measurement on the scale. This is the number that is flush with the base of the tire tread depth gage. Repeat the above steps at four different spots on the tire, at least 15 inches apart.
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Tips & Warnings
Measure the inside and outside tread depths.
Check your state's vehicle code to make sure your tires have the minimum required tire tread depth.
If you live in a state where it snows, you may want more than the minimum tire tread depth.
