Tire tread
Tire tread patterns – grooves and channels on the surface of tires – are designed to provide better performance in terms of traction and grip in different weather conditions. Tread depth refers to the vertical measurement of those grooves.
Tread depths have a direct impact on how your vehicle interacts with the road. The higher the tread depth is, the better control you have over your vehicle. Having a low tread depth can lead to road safety hazards, and may mean it’s time to replace your tires. It is important to check tread depth and tire wear regularly. If you read through this article and still have questions about your tire tread, contact your local tire dealer for peace of mind.
Tire tread of the Nokian Tyres Remedy WRG5.
Why is tire tread important?
Having proper tire tread is essential for traction, stability, and control. High tread depth results in better braking performance. Tires grip the road more effectively, allowing shorter stopping times and better handling of the vehicle.
A worn tire tread causes road safety hazards, especially in challenging driving conditions. One of the functions of tire tread is to channel water, snow, and mud away, ensuring that they don’t accumulate between the tire and the road. This significantly reduced the risk of hydroplaning and loss of vehicle control. Simply put, higher tire tread depth translates to enhanced road safety.
What is a good tread depth?
When tread grooves are deep enough, they perform optimally and aid in a smooth driving experience. Usually, tire tread is measured in 1/32 of inches. A minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch – after that tires are no longer safe to drive. Also, many states legally require a minimum of 2/32 of an inch of tread depth. However, if approaching the lower limit of tread depth recommendation, tires have already lost much of their performance capabilities. That’s why we recommend considering replacing the tires when the tread depth is 4/32 of an inch. Nokian Tyres products have a driving safety indicator that helps you determine what level your tread depth is at.
It is particularly important to have good tread depth when driving in icy and snowy conditions. New Nokian Tyres winter tires have a tread depth of at least 10/32 of an inch. The recommended tread depth minimum is 5/32 of an inch.
Check your tire tread regularly
To keep driving safe, measure tire tread depth regularly. The best practice is to check tires at least once a month. A brief inspection can improve road safety, enhance the driving experience, and extend the tire life.
In addition to controlling tread depth, be attentive to tire wear. Tires may wear unevenly for various reasons, including incorrect tire pressure or alignments. Uneven wear can compromise the overall performance and safety of your vehicle.
How to check tire tread depth?
Nokian Tyres has made it easy to check tire tread depth. Each of the latest tires by Nokian Tyres has a driving safety indicator (DSI). This is a set of numbers (an indicator bar) that shows the tread remaining on the tires. You can simply check the indicator to see how deep the tire’s tread groove is.
Nokian Tyres' patented Driving Safety Indicator shows what percent of tread depth is left on your tires.
You can also perform a tire tread penny test for a quick check of tread depth. You just need a penny featuring Abraham Lincoln’s portrait. Here’s how to do it:
- Insert the penny with Lincoln’s head upside down into a groove.
- If you can’t see the president's forehead, the tread depth is still above 2/32 of an inch.
- If you can see the president’s entire head, the tire tread depth is too low, and you should replace the tires.
If you are not sure how to perform the tread depth check correctly, seek assistance from a professional. In the car service centers, they can control tire tread with a tread depth gauge, giving an accurate result. You can call your local Nokian Tyres dealer to see if they offer these services.
When should you replace your tires?
Tires are the only contact point between the vehicle and the road, so it is extremely important to ensure their good condition. It is also important to be able to identify when to buy new tires. Consider replacing tires when the tread depth reaches 4/32 of an inch, and get new ones at the latest when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch.
It might be time to replace tires if the tread wear is uneven, or if there are visible cracks on the tires (learn more about tire wear here). Also, the rubber compound of tires ages over time even without active use. You may want to replace tires older than six years.
In the market for a new set of tires? Search for tires by inputting your car model or tire size on our homepage. Did you know Nokian Tyres offers EV-specific winter products, like the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 EV?
Drive safe in all weather conditions
Correct tire tread depth helps to keep sure the tire performs properly. Check the tread depth regularly for enhanced road safety and better tire performance. You can help ensure your tires wear evenly and last longer with good maintenance, smooth driving, and proper tire storage. Once (or even before) you have reached the minimum safe tread depth level, replace your tires and drive safely in all weather conditions.
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