If your tire tread is as low as 2/32-of-an-inch, it’s too low by law here in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Getz Automotive warns that driving on tires that don’t have enough tread is not only illegal but also dangerous. You have more to worry about than getting pulled over for a moving violation. Your tires could blow out, and you could literally lose control of your automobile whether because of the blowout or because of the road conditions. Here are ways to measure your tire tread depth so you know when you need new tires.
Tire Tread Gauge
You can purchase a tire tread gauge at the local auto parts store and use it to get an exact measurement of how much tread you have left on each tire. This gauge provides measurements in both metric and standard values, so you can tell if you are down to that 2/32-of-an-inch required by North Carolina law. If your tires are as low or lower than that measurement, you need new tires.
Honest Abe
If you don’t feel like purchasing a tire gauge, take a shiny penny out of your pocket and head out to your automobile. Make sure you have plenty of light so you can read the measurement from the penny. Turn the head side so it’s facing you and insert the penny in between the tire tread with the top of the head facing the tire. You need a new set of tires if the tread doesn’t cover some of the president’s head.
Tire Rotations
The penny tread test only provides a general idea of how much tire tread you have left. It is not as exact as using a tread gauge, so it’s important to make sure that any questionable measurement is checked by professionals. The best time to do this is when you get your tires rotated. Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles, and during the rotation, we will check the condition of your tire tread.
If it’s looking low, we will let you know approximately how many miles you have left on your tires so you can plan for the purchase of a new set. If your tire tread is too low, we’ll replace your tires with a new set and balance and align the wheels at the same time. This ensures you are always safe on the road because you are driving on tires that have plenty of tread.
Looking for the best automotive shop in Fuquay-Varina, NC? Look no further than Getz Automotive. We can handle anything your automobile needs including tire and suspension maintenance and repair.