The Tire Tread Test | Consumer Reports

Not sure if it’s time for new tires? CR’s expert explains how George Washington and Abraham Lincoln can help.

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[CookiePepper]

Is there any reason why not to explain tread wear indicator and how to locate them?

[RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Gotta love all of those people running bald tires in the middle of winter but think they’re ok because they have AWD. 🤣

[recoveringnewyorker]

In the inner city if it holds air it's good!

[billthompson]

I have 44 X18.5 16.5
Super Swamper TSL tires on my truck. When I put the quarter in the tread, it disappears.

[TheUsflow]

Hi I was wondering when the Ultra High Performance Summer Tire Ratings will be coming out this year? Not asking for a guarantee because I know testing has unforeseen circumstances, just a best guess for approximately what month or season even. Thanks!

[jblyon]

Keep in mind that, on average, your emergency stopping distance doubles going from 4/32 to 2/32 of tread. 2/32 is the legal minimum, but 4/32 is the safe minimum.

[commandojay]

Can you do the same test with Canadian money, for your Canadian viewers and readers? Since we don't have the penny anymore, it can be a quarter and and dime.

[THEFIRE]

2/32 of a inch, why nor use 1/16 inch or why not use 1.6mm

[cardo]

Or just buy a tread depth gauge for $4 and have the full range.

[shaikhzees]

What should Canadians do?
Which coins will do the trick for us?

[pleasantcrew]

Or the penny is 1/16th of an inch and the quarter is 1/8th of an inch.

[dcpc]

New tires' treads aren't all that deep to begin with so, understandably, consumers can only use about 50% to 60% of the tire tread before having to replace them.

[raymondhr]

i can't be the only one wondering if both if the people fail at math?

[NismoSupra]

Instead of using a penny, why not use a depth gauge you can buy for $2 or less at any auto parts store? Durr!!

[dsdsds]

Why say 4/32 inch? LMFAO as if 1/8 wasn't complicated enough?
2/32 of a inch? just say 1/16th...