How many miles are left on my tire? (8/32 to 2/32)
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A new tire lasts for more than 50,000 miles. With proper care and regular inspection, the life expectancy of a tire tread can even go over 100,000 miles.
When it is recommended to replace a tire tread at 2/32 inches, my recommendation is to do it even earlier.
Professionals usually recommend inspecting a tire tread every 3,000 miles.
While the stopping distance of a car with a tire depth of 6/32 inches is around 180 feet, it can go over 250 feet when the tire depth reaches 2/32 inches.
WHY REGULAR TIRE TREAD INSPECTION IS IMPORTANT?
Inspecting the depth of your vehicle’s tire reduces the chances of accidents even if the condition of the road is not favorable.
A good quality tire on your vehicle gives better control over the machine.
A worn-down tire not only reduces safety but also performance in certain areas, especially when you are driving in rainy or snowy weather.
Most importantly, regular tire inspection makes you a sensible driver on the road who is better aware of his responsibilities.
HOW MANY MILES ARE LEFT ON MY TIRE?
For every 5,000 miles, a tire tread wears down 1/32 inches.
If a new tire comes with a depth of 10/32 inches, it is therefore expected to last over 50,000 miles.
Here is a table that shows the miles left on your tire-
Tire tread depth | Miles left |
10/32 inches | 50,000-80,000 miles |
8/32 inches | 40,000-65,000 miles |
6/32 inches | 30,000-50,000 miles |
4/32 inches | 20,000-32,000 miles |
2/32 inches | 10,000-15,000 miles |
WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR TIRE?
Unless you are driving on a wet or snowy road, it is possible to get away with a tread depth of 2/32 inches or above.
At 2/32 inches, a tread loses almost 60% of its friction.
I always recommend using a tire that has a tread depth of 4/32 inches or more to get the safest driving experience.
If it is below 4/32 inches, you had better start giving a better thought about tire replacement.
HOW TO MEASURE TIRE DEPTH?
Four possible ways are there to measure tread depth.
- Tread depth gauge
- Penny test
- Quarter test
- Tread depth indicator label check
USING A TREAD DEPTH GAUGE
Using a tread depth gauge is the most suitable way to correctly measure the depth of your vehicle’s tire.
Usually, you will have to place the head of the gauge in between the tread gaps.
Once you make the perfect alignment, you will notice the exact depth that the tire has.
If it shows 8, the depth of the tread is 8/32 seconds of an inch.
Where can you get a tread depth gauge?
A tread depth gauge can be found almost in all auto stores nearby you.
In case you do not have a tire depth gauge, the rest of the three quick solutions are for you-
PENNY TEST
Insert a penny upside down into the tread gap. If Lincoln’s head and hairline go inside the tread groove, the tire is good to use.
Hidden Lincoln’s hairline shows that the tire has more than 6/32 seconds of an inch depth.
If the hairline is visible to the eye, the tire has 2/32 seconds of an inch or less depth.
QUARTER TEST
This time insert a quarter with Washington’s face upside down and facing you.
If Washington’s head touches the groove, your tire has a depth of 4/32 seconds of an inch or more.
If Washington's head does not touch the groove, the tire must have 2/32 seconds of an inch or less depth on it.
TREAD DEPTH INDICATOR LABEL CHECK
The final method to measure the depth of a tire is to check the label of the depth indicator.
Most modern tires have engrooved markings that show the maximum wear a tire is allowed to have.
If the tread reaches that marking, you need an immediate replacement of your car’s tire.
WHICH IS THE IDEAL TIRE TREAD DEPTH?
From 8/32 seconds of an inch to 6/32 seconds of an inch is the ideal tire tread depth for most road conditions.
5/32 and 4/32 seconds of an inch depth is okay for normal road conditions. But if it is about driving on a snowy and wet road, things may turn a bit consistent.
If the level of the groove reaches 4/32 seconds of an inch, regular inspection becomes necessary. With 4/32 and 3/32 tread depth, you can still drive on normal roads. But beware to take your car out in snowy or rainy weather if the tread depth falls in this category.
You must have to replace your tire if the depth goes 2/32 seconds of an inch or below.
