New Winter Tire Tread Depth

Most winter tires start at 1032 to 1232 of tread depth. Average new tires used on cars typically start with 1032 to 1132 of original tread depth. They are also made using rubber compounds that stay soft when the weather gets cold which helps to provide better traction.
new winter tire tread depth

Its important to do more than just a quick visual check of your tires tread depth.

New winter tire tread depth. So if you start with a new tire tread depth of 1032 the actual usable tread depth is 832. Winter tires have greater tread depth and use siping slits in the tread to increase the number of edges that are in contact with the road. If lincolns entire head is visible the tire is worn to approximately 232 and is considered legally worn out in most states. Average new tires used on cars typically start with 1032 to 1132 of original tread depth.

Its useable tread depth is calculated by subtracting a worn out tires 232 from the new tires original depth of 1032. Department of transportation recommends replacing tires when they reach 232 and many states legally require tires to be replaced at this depth. The tires tread depth. The final 232 of a tires tread depth isnt.

New tires typically come with 1032 or 1132 tread depths and some truck suv and winter tires may have deeper tread depths than other models. Winter tread depth when to stop using tires in snow and on ice sufficient tread depth tires do not have enough biting edges and shallower circumferential grooves to effectively evacuate deep snow and slush. Most states require a minimum tread depth of at least 232 of an inch. 632 is the minimum tread depth that we recommend for winter driving.

New tire tread depth is the measurement typically published by tire manufacturers but its not the same as usable tire tread depth. Dedicated winter snow tires and light truck tires. Most states and tire manufacturers consider tires to be bald when one or more of their grooves are worn down to 232. Several states require 432 tread depth on front steering wheels since tread depth directly affects controllability.

Most modern ties have wear indictors built into the tire that indicate when the tire tread has reached the 232 mark and should be replaced. While a tread. Dedicated winter snow tires and light truck tires typically are deeper for light truck tires how much deeper depends on the tires tread type highway rib highway all season off road all terrain or off road maximum traction. For example a typical tire that starts with 1032 of original tread depth has only 832 of useable tread depth.

The illustration below shows tires from left to right at new tread depth worn to 632 and then worn to 2.