How to Check Tire Tread Depth

Row of tires
 

It’s easy to forget about tire tread depth. In fact, we understand if you’ve never asked yourself, “How do I check tire tread wear?” However, knowing how to check tire tread depth is quick, easy, and can mean the difference between safe driving and accidents on Normal streets. Take a quick look at how to check tire tread depth with the service department at Leman's Chevrolet City Llc. 

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What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth? 

When you buy new tires, their tread depth will be 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch; or about one-third of an inch. Winter tires and off-roading tires, along with some truck and SUV tires might have deeper treads. When your tire tread depth drops to 2/32 of an inch, it’s time for new tires, according to the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Anything less than one-sixteenth of an inch is going to put you at risk. 

The Penny Test

While it’s relatively easy to use a ruler to measure your tire tread, you might not have a ruler handy. But you probably have a penny in your pocket or cup holder. Here’s how you can use a U.S. penny to measure your tire tread wear: 

  1. Insert a penny with Lincoln head-first into a tire tread groove.
  2. Observe if Lincoln’s head is covered and no longer visible between the grooves.
  3. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, that means your tire treads are 2/32 inches deep or less and it’s time to replace them.
  4. Repeat this process on all four tires and in multiple locations on each tire.

Other Methods for Checking Tire Tread Wear

Rulers and pennies aside, there are two other common ways to measure your tire tread wear in Decatur: you can buy an inexpensive tread depth gauge, or you can let your tires tell you: 

  • Tread Depth Gauge: You can purchase a tread depth gauge for any store that has an auto parts department, and they’re small and affordable. Simply insert the probe into the shallowest tread groove, then press the top bar of the gauge flat against the tire to see the tread wear rating.
  • Tread Wear Bars: Many tires come with tread wear indicator bars built into them. They’ll be located at the bottom of the tread grooves in multiple locations across the tire. The bars will become flush with the tire surface when you read 2/32 of an inch of tire tread and need to replace your tires. 

Get Auto Service Tips From Leman's Chevrolet City Llc

It’s easy to stay on top of your tire and car health with Leman's Chevrolet City Llc! Check out our service tips and tricks to learn plenty of things that can help you keep your car in its best condition, like how to rotate your tires and more.

 

Service Coupons at Leman’s Chevy City

Tire Price Match Guarantee

Provide us with a better eligible* price at the time of purchase and we'll match it. Find a better price within 30 days of the purchase, and we'll refund the difference.

Eligible Tire Brands: BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli, and Uniroyal.

*Ad, written estimate, or Internet quote for identical tire(s) from a competing tire retailer/installer located within 100 miles of the dealer required during guarantee period for price match. Tire match price must be determined prior to applying a tire manufacturer rebate, if any. At participating GM dealers only. Offer ends 12/31/2026.
Expires: 12/31/2026

6-Quart ACDelco GM OE dexos®1 Full Synthetic Oil Change on most vehicles*

$67.44

*Tax and more than 6 quarts of oil extra. Excludes diesel engines and Corvettes. See owner's manual for specific oil grades recommended by vehicle model.
Expires: 08/19/2026

6-Quart Mobil 1® Full Synthetic Oil Change on most vehicles*

$134.46

*Tax and more than 6 quarts of oil extra. Excludes diesel engines and Corvettes. See owner's manual for specific oil grades recommended by vehicle model.
Expires: 08/19/2026

8-Quart ACDelco GM OE dexos®1 Full Synthetic Oil Change on most vehicles*

$77.44

*Tax and more than 8 quarts of oil extra. 8-quart dexos®R oil change may be required on 2021-2024 6.2L engines, please check with your dealership. Excludes diesel engines and Corvettes. See owner's manual for specific oil grades recommended by vehicle model.
Expires: 08/19/2026

8-Quart Mobil 1® Full Synthetic Oil Change on most vehicles*

$181.81

*Tax and more than 8 quarts of oil extra. 8-quart dexos®R oil change may be required on 2021-2024 6.2L engines, please check with your dealership. Excludes diesel engines and Corvettes. See owner's manual for specific oil grades recommended by vehicle model.
Expires: 08/19/2026

Most ACDelco Gold Front Brake Pads Installed*

24 Months/Unlimited Mile Warranty**

$279.96

*Installation and rotor inspection included. Turning or replacing rotors, all other services, and tax extra. Excludes enhanced-performance brake pads and some vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about the warranty part details and qualifications.
Expires: 08/19/2026

ACDelco Silver Front Brake Rotors installed on most cars & small SUVs*

12 Months/Unlimited Mile Warranty**

$367.95

*Tax extra. Excludes coated rotors, enhanced-performance rotors, medium-duty trucks, and other select vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about the warranty part details and qualifications.
Expires: 08/19/2026

ACDelco Silver Front Brake Rotors installed on most trucks and full-size SUVs*

12 Months/Unlimited Mile Warranty**

$409.95

*Tax extra. Excludes coated rotors, enhanced-performance rotors, medium-duty trucks, and other select vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about the warranty part details and qualifications.
Expires: 08/19/2026

Most ACDelco Silver 18-Mo Batteries Installed*

18-month free-replacement limited warranty**

$154.90

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about exclusions and the warranty part details and qualifications.
Expires: 08/19/2026

Most ACDelco Gold 30-Mo Batteries Installed*

30-month free-replacement limited warranty**

$184.90

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about exclusions and the warranty part details and qualifications.
Expires: 08/19/2026

Most ACDelco Gold 42-Mo Batteries Installed*

42-month free-replacement limited warranty**

$199.90

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about exclusions and the warranty part details and qualifications.
Expires: 08/19/2026

Most ACDelco Gold Cabin Air Filters Installed*

$54.98

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles.
Expires: 08/19/2026

Most ACDelco GM Original Equipment Wiper Blades (per pair) Installed*

$59.95

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles.
Expires: 08/19/2026

Most ACDelco Gold 36-Mo AGM Batteries Installed*

36-month free-replacement limited warranty**

$329.94

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about exclusions and the warranty part details and qualifications.
Expires: 08/19/2026

Most ACDelco Gold Engine Air Filters Installed*

$54.98

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles.
Expires: 08/19/2026

$200 Rebate*

on the purchase and installation of select GM Genuine Parts Engines, Transmissions, and Transfer Cases

*Rebate available to retail customers with a U.S. mailing address only. Purchase and installation must be at a participating U.S. GM Dealership. Transmissions exclude Saab, Chevrolet Medium-/Heavy-Duty Trucks, and GMC Medium-/Heavy-Duty Trucks. Rebate offer not valid with other offers. Limit one rebate per service performed per date and vehicle. Allow 6 to 8 weeks from promotion end date for delivery of Visa® Prepaid Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form. GM has the right to alter or cancel promotions. Rebate must be submitted by 10/31/2026. Offer ends 9/30/2026.
Expires: 09/30/2026
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Leman's Chevrolet City Llc 40.4594, -88.9703.