tread depth

Groove thickness remaining

Tread depth is the measurement of the grooves in a tire, indicating how much usable rubber remains.

New tires typically have 10/32 to 11/32 of an inch; at 2/32, tires are legally worn out in most jurisdictions.

The penny test—inserting a coin to see if Lincoln's head is visible—offers a rough gauge.

Adequate tread depth is essential for grip, especially on wet roads.

Related
  • grooveNarrow cut or routine
  • tireLose strength or energy
  • rubberElastic polymer from trees
  • wearCarry on person
  • baldWithout hair on head

bald tires · flat spot · traction · grip · gauge · penny · measurement · millimeter · safety · hydroplane · rain · road · stopping distance · pattern · channel · sipe · compound · contact

Categories
Opposites
tire wear condition

tread depthbald tire

Worn-down wheel rubber

worn tread · slick tire · baldness · tire wear

tire surface characteristics

tread depthslick surface

flat surface · bald patch · smooth surface · slick tire · ungrooved

Family

tread, depth, treads, treaded, treading, treader, depths, deep, deepen

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G