Symptoms
- Tread looks noticeably shallower than when new
- Reduced grip in wet weather
- Longer stopping distances noticed
Likely causes
- CommonNormal wear from mileageAll tires wear down gradually and eventually need replacement.
- PossibleUneven wear from alignment or pressure issuesSome tires wear out unevenly and unsafely fast in specific spots.
What to do
- Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down; if you can see all of his head, tread is at or below 2/32 inch and needs replacing.
- Check tread depth at several points across each tire's width, not just one spot, to catch uneven wear.
- Look for the built-in tread wear indicator bars molded into the grooves; if they're flush with the tread, it's time to replace.
- Check all four tires since front and rear often wear at different rates.
- Replace tires that are at or below the legal minimum, and don't wait until they're completely bald.
Tools and parts
- Tread depth gauge or a penny
Replacement tiresSearch: “tire size for [your car model]”
When to call a pro
If tread is near the wear bars, have a tire shop confirm remaining life and recommend replacement timing before it becomes unsafe.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.