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You must have heard about the importance of tyre tread depth and how it is essential to measure it at regular intervals. But why? What makes tyre tread depth so important for your vehicle, and why do you need to measure it? Most importantly, how can you measure it?
Tyres are the essential bond between your vehicle and the ground. An essential component of tyres is its tread. The term tread is the name given to the rubber that touches the road. Treads are responsible for gripping the road while driving. However, if the treads of a tyre are not deep, they will reduce your vehicle's traction. This eventually leads to increased braking times. Shallow tread grooves can make it difficult to have control over your vehicle. It becomes especially challenging in wet weather conditions. Therefore, to ensure safety, you must measure the tread depth of your tyres regularly.
Your safety while driving significantly depends on the tread depth. It becomes much more crucial in wet and snowy weather. This is because the tread pattern design directly impacts your vehicle's braking performance. Lower tread depths reduce the braking ability, increasing the risk of aquaplaning.
Reading above must have helped you understand the importance of tyre tread depth. Now, let's delve deeper into its measurements and the ways to measure it.
The tyre tread depth for new tyres is approximately between 8 and 9 mm. With continuous usage and time, the treads wear down, and the depth lowers. That is why you must check the tread depth regularly.
Now, if you measure the tread depth regularly, you must have a reference measurement, right? That is why you must know about the minimum tread depth on a car tyre, which is below 1.6 mm. So, if your tyres have tread depth below 1.6 mm, it's time for you to replace your tyres with new ones. The worn tread can be severely dangerous for you. So, do not take this lightly.
There are two methods to measure tyre tread depth. However, before you opt for any of these two methods, follow the steps below.
Park your car on a flat, even and wide surface. Keep it in an ignition-off state.
Apply the parking brake along with the first gear.
Now, begin the assessment of the tyres.
Follow one of the methods below to measure tyre tread depth.
The first method is known as the penny test. It is one of the easiest and quickest ways to know the depth of your tyre's tread. For this test, take a two-rupee coin. Now, put this coin into the tread. Keep your eyes on how deep the coin goes into the tread to have an idea about the tread depth.
Now, repeat this process for all the tyres. You must know that the tread depth is not the same for all your tyres, and one tyre may have worn more than the other. So, it is essential to test all of them for tread depth. Ensure that the tread depth for each tyre is above the legal minimum level.
Usually, the tread depth will be similar for all the tyres if you install them at the same time. However, what if you find a sizable difference between the tread depths of your tyres? Do not worry, as it is completely normal. However, it is an indication that the tyre with the least tread depth is the most weary. In such situations, you must opt for a wheel alignment and balancing test. This will help you ensure equal wearing of all the tyres. Also, wheel alignment and balancing are not one-time tasks. You must have done this earlier, also. However, it's never too late to start. Tyres must be examined for wheel alignment and balancing every 3000 kilometres.
If you believe that accuracy and guesswork are not your thing, this method is for you. Your safety is not to be taken lightly. Therefore, we always recommend that you be a perfectionist in such cases. Using a tyre tread depth gauge will give accurate measurements. So, opt for this method over the first one. If the gauge indicates a tread depth below 1.6 mm, do not wait any longer to replace your tyres with new ones. Using tyres with tread depth below the legal minimum level can be harmful to you and your vehicle. So, do not risk your life and get your tyres changed immediately.
Measuring tread depth is essential for your vehicle's performance and your safety. So, do not compromise on your safety by driving with low tread depth tyres. Use any of the above-explained methods to measure tread depths regularly. Also, if you do not find it possible to measure the tread depth on your own, visit a trusted nearby vehicle repair station, and they will help you with accurate measurements.
Read Also: How to check the manufacturing date of your car tyres?
Reading this post must have introduced you to the importance of tyre tread depth and how to measure it. We understand your eagerness to try these methods on your vehicles and test their tyres. Hence, we will not hold you any longer. Follow the expert tips and steps in this guide and find out if your tyres are ensuring your safety on the road or not.
Apollo Tyres has its outlets and stations in almost every part of the country. So, if you are unable to find accurate measurements for the tread depth of your vehicle, do not hesitate to visit us. We will measure it for you and will also offer the right solution for it. Our experts will suggest the best options to maintain the tread depth for your tyres for longer. Also, if your tyres have tread depth below the minimum legal range, we will replace the tyres and make your vehicle safer for you again.