How to Check Tire Tread Depth at Home With a Simple Gauge

Tire tread helps a vehicle maintain contact with the road, especially when surfaces are wet. A small manual tread-depth gauge can help you monitor wear between professional inspections.

What a tread-depth gauge measures

A tread gauge measures the depth of the main tire grooves. It is a maintenance aid, not a substitute for a full tire inspection. Local legal minimums and manufacturer recommendations can differ, so always follow the rules that apply where you drive.

How to take a reading

Park safely on a level surface, switch the vehicle off, and choose one of the tire's main grooves. Press the base of the gauge flat against the tread while allowing the measuring probe to extend into the groove. Read the scale without tilting the tool.

Check more than one spot

Tires can wear unevenly. Take several measurements across the width of the tread and at different points around the tire. Large differences can be a sign that alignment, inflation, suspension or rotation should be checked by a professional.

Look for more than tread depth

Also inspect for cracking, bulges, embedded objects, exposed cords or other visible damage. If anything looks unusual, have the tire inspected before relying on the vehicle for regular driving.

A compact Tire Tread Depth Gauges – 4 Pack can be kept in a glove box or garage for routine checks.

For any uncertainty about tire condition, consult a qualified tire professional.