The tire tread depth law in Minnesota is no lower than 4/32-of-an-inch on your front tires and 2/32-of-an-inch on your back tires. If your tire tread is lower than that or your tires are bald, you not only open yourself up to a moving violation but also put yourself in harm’s way. You can check your tire tread depth at home. The Shop Tire and Service Center lists two ways to do so below.
The Penny Test
Pull your vehicle out into your driveway in bright sunlight and set the parking brake. Turn it off and put bricks or large rocks behind the tires to make sure it won’t roll if your driveway is not flat. Grab a shiny, new penny and get down on your hands and knees. Take a good look at your tires to see if there are any signs of uneven tire tread wear or other damage such as cracked walls.
If your tires look okay, turn the penny so the head side is facing you. Insert the penny in between the tread rows with the top of the head facing the tire. It is the top of President Lincoln’s head that will give you the tread measurement. If the tire tread covers President Lincoln’s head, you have plenty of tire tread left on your tires. If the tire tread doesn’t cover President Lincoln’s head, it’s time to buy new tires. Remember, driving on bald tires is a moving violation.
Using a Tire Gauge
If you are looking for a more accurate way to measure your tire tread depth, purchase a depth gauge from the auto parts store. This is a better way to measure your tire tread to be completely honest because the penny test is not exact. The tire tread gauge will have a ruler so you can measure exactly how many inches of tire tread you have left. Most gauges also have metric readings.
Use the gauge as you would’ve used the penny above. Insert the gauge in between the rows of tire tread all over each tire to measure the exact depth left. If your front tires have at least 4/32-of-an-inch on them, they are fine and do not need to be replaced. Your back tires must have at least 2/32-of-an-inch. If they don’t, they need to be replaced.
The Shop Tire and Service Center in Elk River, MN, is your one-stop shop for all of your automotive service needs including tires. Give us a call today if you would like us to inspect your tires or if you need a new set.