×

Shop For Tires

All fields are required

Select TPMS Option
What's this?
Enter Zip Code Why?
Enter Zip Code Why?

Get An Oil Change

Your Nearest Store:

4700 N Brandywine Dr
Peoria, IL
309.340.4981

tiresplus storefront
Most stores are open nights and weekends

Store Hours:
Day(s) Hours
MON-SUN: 8:00am-5:00pm
Memorial Day: 7:00am-5:00pm
Schedule An Appointment

Schedule Service

Your Nearest Store:

4700 N Brandywine Dr
Peoria, IL
309.340.4981

tiresplus storefront
Most stores are open nights and weekends

Store Hours:
Day(s) Hours
MON-SUN: 8:00am-5:00pm
Memorial Day: 7:00am-5:00pm
Schedule An Appointment

Search For Batteries

All fields are required

Enter Zip Code Why?

Alignment Service

All fields are required

Enter Zip Code Why?

How to Check Tire Tread Depth

Learn how to tell when it’s time for a new set of tires. 

What Is Tire Tread Depth?

Tire tread depth is a vertical measurement starting from the top of a tire’s rubber to the bottom of its deepest grooves. Tire tread is the part of the tire that makes contact with the road. As tire tread inevitably wears down over time, traction and responsiveness will decrease so it’s important to keep an eye on tread wear so you know when it’s time to rotate your tires and eventually replace them.

How Do I Check Tire Tread Depth?

To check your tire tread at home, try using the penny method. Simply place a U.S. penny headfirst into several tread grooves on different areas of the tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are shallow and worn, and it may be time to replace your tires. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth remaining.

Some light truck and performance tires come with a tire tread wear bar. The indicator is located in between the tire treads, so if the indicator bar is even with your current tread wear, it’s time to replace your tires.

Even with these tricks, it can be difficult to accurately gauge your tire tread wear with the naked eye. The experts at Tires Plus can help by doing an inspection and recommending the best course of action for your vehicle.

Schedule an appointment

Types of Tire Tread Wear

There are a few different patterns for typical tire wear and some of them can be warning signs for other issues with your vehicle. Make sure your tires are the right size, aligned and inflated properly and get regular tire rotations to promote even tire wear that helps ensure your tires last as long as possible. Here are a few tire tread wear patterns to watch out for:

  • Pronounced inner or outer shoulder wear: tires may not be aligned properly
  • Edge of the shoulder wear: tires may need to be rotated, are under-inflated, or both
  • Center wear: tires may be overinflated or have been subjected to extremely hard acceleration
  • Cupped wear: your vehicle may have suspension issues 

Tire Tread Depth Chart

In the United States, tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch and in most states, it’s illegal to drive on tires with less than 2/32 of one inch of tread. Make sure to check your tire tread periodically or ask the experts at a Tires Plus location to do an inspection during a tire rotation service. 

6/32 and above In good condition
Between 4/32 and 5/32 Time to inspect for replacement
2/32 and lower Replace as soon as possible

If you’re ready to start shopping for a new set of tires, you can count on Tires Plus to have  a wide range of options from trusted brands.

Auto Care Tips & Advice

Filter By:

A Tires Plus advisor and customer shaking hands outside of a Tires Plus Total Car Care storefront.
News & Events

Tires Plus Reimagined: Meet Our New Logo!

You may have noticed the new logo on our website. Learn about the change, including why we updated our logo and what it means for the future of Tires Plus.


Read More
Man sitting in driver's seat of vehicle with seatbelt on reaching for gear shift
Brakes

What To Do if Your Car Won't Start and the Brake Pedal is Hard

Your brake pedal won’t depress, and your car won’t start. Discover what causes stiff brake pedals and find out what could be preventing your car from starting!


Read More
Electric Vehicle Charging
Tires

A 5-Step Guide To Choosing Tires For Your Electric Vehicle

The wrong tires can impact EV range, worsen traction, and amplify road noise. Discover EV-specific tire benefits and how to choose your next set like a pro.


Read More
LOAD 3 MORE
SHOWING 6 OF 12
View More Articles

Find Store

Find a Different Location

Stores Near You

Do you want to change your Preferred Store?