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Tire tread is measured in 32nds of an inch. Brand new passenger tires start with a tread depth around 10/32nds. Truck, off road, and winter tires have deeper tread. As you drive, the tire tread wears down. Most states consider 2/32nds or less legally worn out.

You can check your tread depth at home with a quarter. Previously, a penny was used but recent tests conducted by Tire Rack found a quarter was a far more accurate way to measure tread depth. You can read about the study in Car and Driver.

Place a quarter into several different tread grooves across the tire. If part of Washington’s head remains covered by the tread, your tread depth is 4/32nds or more. If Washington’s head stays uncovered, or isn’t covered by all tread grooves, it’s time to replace your tires.

Driving on tires with 3/32nds or less is dangerous and can be costly. Tread this low won’t pass a safety and emissions test, and you can get a ticket if you’re pulled over. If the potential cost isn’t risky enough, consider the danger.

Let’s say you’re driving on the freeway, going the 70-mph speed limit. Suddenly a piece of wood flies out of the trailer in front of you. If you slam on your brakes to their threshold, it will take significantly longer to stop if your tires are bald.  Look -- it takes nearly twice as long to stop on bald tires versus new tires.

New tires: 10/32nds tread

Stopping distance on wet road 195 feet

(5 school bus lengths)

Worn tires: 4/32nds tread

Stopping distance on wet road 290 feet

(7.25 school bus lengths)

Bald tires: 2/32nds tread

Stopping distance on wet road 379 feet

(9.5 school bus lengths)

Source: Good Morning America

Keep yourself safe and in the green by replacing bald tires immediately. Can’t afford new tires? We have a large inventory of high quality used tires at great prices.