Your tires are your car’s only contact with the road. They handle steering, braking, and traction, so when they wear down, your safety is on the line. One of the simplest ways to keep an eye on tire health is by checking the tread wear indicators. These small built-in features help you determine when it's time for a replacement, and they’re easy to find if you know what to look for.

Staying ahead of worn tread can prevent skidding, hydroplaning, and blowouts, especially during wet or icy weather. Here's how to spot the signs and know when your tires are no longer up to the task.

Why Tire Tread Depth Matters

Tread depth refers to the grooves in your tires that help maintain grip on the road. These grooves channel water away from the tire surface, helping you maintain control in rain or snow. When the tread wears down too much, those grooves become shallow and lose effectiveness.

Tires with low tread can struggle to stop quickly, especially on slick pavement. They’re more likely to slide during sudden braking and can’t push water aside fast enough, increasing the risk of hydroplaning. The legal minimum tread depth in many states is 2/32 of an inch, but you don’t want to wait that long to act.

What Are Tread Wear Indicators

Tread wear indicators are small raised bars located between the main tread grooves of your tire. They’re evenly spaced around the tire and usually sit 2/32 of an inch from the bottom of the groove. When the surrounding tread wears down to the same level as the indicator bars, it means your tire has reached its minimum safe tread depth.

You don’t need special tools to see them, just a flashlight and a good look at your tires. If the tread is flush with the wear bars, it’s time to replace the tire. Driving on it much longer could put you at risk, especially in poor weather conditions.

The Penny Test: A Quick Alternative

If you're unsure whether the tread wear indicators are visible, there's another quick way to check your tread depth using a penny. Insert the penny into one of the tire grooves with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too low.

While the penny test is a rough estimate, it's still a useful backup for spotting worn tires between maintenance visits. You can also use a tread depth gauge for a more accurate measurement.

Uneven Tread Wear Is a Red Flag

Even if your tires still have life left overall, uneven wear is another issue to watch for. If one part of the tire is more worn than another, such as the inside edge wearing faster than the outside, it can signal alignment issues, suspension problems, or improper inflation.

Uneven wear reduces the contact area between the tire and road, which affects braking and stability. It can also shorten the overall lifespan of the tire. If you notice bald spots, excessive wear on one edge, or a feathered appearance across the tread, have your vehicle inspected.

How to Extend the Life of Your Tires

Tire wear happens to every driver, but you can slow it down with proper care. Keeping your tires inflated to the correct pressure is one of the easiest ways to preserve tread. Underinflated tires wear on the edges, while overinflated tires wear in the center.

Rotating your tires regularly also promotes even wear. Your vehicle and tires will benefit from a rotation every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Proper wheel alignment and balanced tires also help distribute weight evenly and prevent one side from wearing down faster than the other.

When to Replace Your Tires

If the tread is at or near the indicator bars, it’s time to replace your tires. Even if the tires look fine from the side, reduced tread depth makes it harder to stop quickly or maintain control. Tires should also be replaced if they’re over six years old, show signs of cracking, or have sustained sidewall damage.

Always replace tires as a full set or in pairs to maintain balance and handling. If you’re unsure about your tires’ condition, don’t take chances and get them inspected.

Tire Safety Starts at Proper Service in Baldwin Place and Croton Falls, NY

If you’re not sure whether your tires are still safe, visit the experts at Proper Service in Baldwin Place or Croton Falls, NY. Our team will check your tread depth, inspect for uneven wear, and help you choose the right replacements if needed.

Your safety depends on reliable tires. Let us help you stay in control on every road. Book your tire check today.