Tire tread is necessary to keep you safe on the road. We have some tips to help you know when your tire tread is adequate or when it’s time to schedule Lexus service at Lexus of Jacksonville.  

What is Tire Tread?  

Your tread is the outer rubber part of your tire that makes contact with the road. The marks along your tires that separate your tread blocks are referred to as tread grooves or voids.

These voids give your tread room to stretch and flex. This helps your tire grip the road and gives you better traction and control of your vehicle.    

How Much Tread Do I Need?  

Over time, your tread will begin to wear down and even become completely flat. These tires are often referred to as “bald” tires, which is why there are recommendations for your tires’ tread depth. 

Legally, drivers must have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread. This is necessary for your safety, but experts say you can also safely drive with at least 4/32 of an inch of tread.  

How to Measure Tread Depth

There is actually a very simple test to determine if you have enough tire tread. All you need is a penny. 

Insert the penny into your tire tread groove with the top of Lincoln’s head facing down until it touches the base of the groove. If you can see the top of his head, that means your tread is too low. You can also use a quarter if you don’t have a penny on hand.  

Have your tires become too bald? We encourage you to reach out to our Lexus dealership in Jacksonville, FL for a quality replacement!