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Tread depth is a topic that often comes up in tyre related discussions, and so do terms like tread depth indicators and “the penny test”. However, most Indian drivers do not understand these concepts clearly. One reason is that they do not know how to find the tread depth indicators, and another is that the concept of a penny test is foreign to us..
In today’s blog, we explain the concept of tread depth and how you can check it without needing professional assistance. So, let’s get started.
Tread depth is the depth of the pattern on your car tyres’ surface. It plays an important role in enhancing and controlling the momentum of a vehicle. For example, new tyres with greater tread depth offer superior grip and control over the vehicle in comparison to old, worn-out tyres because of their tread depth.
Tread depth is measured in millimetres or in 32nd fractions of an inch. In India, the legal minimum depth requirement for tyre tread is at least 1.6mm in the central three-quarters of the tyre’s surface along its entire circumference. For context, the tread depth of a new Apollo Alnac 4G tyre measures 7.5mm.
In the Indian context, there is no clear way to perform the penny test for tread depth using a coin because we have different-sized coins of the same value in use. So, the easiest way to check the tread depth is either to use the in-built indicator on the tyres or to use a tread depth measuring gauge.
In-built tread depth marker on tyres: Finding this indicator is fairly easy once you know what to look for. The tread depth indicator is a small ridge that is placed in between the tread lines or grooves, connecting them together. When the tyre is new, the ridge will appear sitting deeper in the tread grooves, and if the tyre is old and worn, the ridge will appear closer to the surface.
Using a tread depth measurement gauge: The gauge is a simple instrument that can quickly check a tyre’s tread depth. At Apollo Tyres, we recommend replacing your tyres after the tread wears below 2.3mm instead of waiting for the tyre to hit the legal bottom line of 1.6mm. A tread depth measurement gauge allows you to keep track of your tyre tread and take corrective action in case you detect problems like uneven tyre wear.
In automobile jargon, tyres are considered a consumable item because they wear with use and eventually need replacement. Tread wear is part of that process. As the tyre rolls across various surfaces it loses a very minimal amount of its rubber compound due to the heat and friction. Additionally, dirt, oil, and debris on the road also degrade a tyre’s rubber. Over time, the tread wears down and the tyre needs to be replaced.
However, you do not have to worry about replacing your tyres every few hundred or thousand kilometres. The tread wear process takes a long time and a new tyre generally lasts 50,000 to 80,000 kilometres before needing replacement. You can further extend tyre life by following ideal driving habits, regular air pressure checks, and other vehicle maintenance measures.
In case you find that the tread on the inside or outside of your tyres is wearing out faster than the opposing sections, you will need to visit a tyre shop or service station for wheel alignment and balancing checks.
A misalignment in the suspension system of your car is generally the culprit behind uneven tread wear. Ignoring such types of tyre wear not only leads to premature tyre failures but can also cause an accident. That’s why we recommend including wheel alignment and balancing checks as part of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
In conclusion, the tread depth is an important marker for analysing your vehicle’s fitness for the road. We recommend inspecting your tyres regularly for visible cracks, bulges, or cuts in the tread area, and following the manufacturer’s recommended tyre rotation schedule (usually every 8,000–10,000 km) to ensure even tread wear.
We hope this blog answered your questions about tyre tread depth and how to maintain its efficacy. For more help, you can always write to us at apollodirect@apollotyres.com.