1. The damaged tire has not been driven on while flat.
2. The damage is on the tread part of the tire (the part that comes in contact with the road).
3. The puncture is less than 1/4 inch.
Worn down tires are not only unsafe, they are against the law! The minimum legal tire tread depth is 2/32 inch. In wet driving conditions, 4/32 inch or less tread depth means there is a high risk of significant loss of wet traction. This means your vehicle is more likely to slide or hydroplane on wet roads, putting the safety of you and your passengers at risk. Below are two ways to check for worn tires.
1. The Penny Test
To test if the tread is worn out, place a penny into the most shallow tread groove with Lincoln's head down. If the top of his head remains visible, then the tire should be replaced.
2. Look for wear bars.
Wear bars are narrow bands that appear in the grooves across the tread of the tire. When the wear bars are even with the tread depth, only 2/32-inch of tread remains. If you can see the wear bars, it's time to replace the tire.
