What Tread Depth Should I Replace My Tires?

The tread on your tire is as important as the foundation under your home—you wouldn’t want to build a house on a slab of thin cardboard, would you? The same can be said of driving with a set of bald tires. But when exactly should you replace your tires? Is there a certain tread depth that tire makers recommend, or is it on a per-brand basis?

In the U.S., you’ll find that most new car tires come with 10/32” tread depth. Some larger vehicles, such as a Ford F-150 or Explorer, may have tires with deeper tread. Either way, it’s recommended that you replace any tires that are below 2/32” tread. At this tread depth, your tires are on the verge of failure if they encounter the wrong pothole or curb.

How do I test my tire tread depth?

You have multiple options to test the tread on your tire:

Bring it to a mechanic or Ford service center for a tire rotation. They’ll gauge the tread depth and inform you if or when you need replacement tires.
Use the “Penny Test.” If any portion of Lincoln’s whole and intact head is covered, you’re above the 2/32” threshold.
Buy and use a tread depth gauge, which can be purchased at any local auto parts store, including the Northside Ford Parts department here in San Antonio.
If you have a newer Ford or vehicle, monitor the tread wear indicator bars on your tires. These bars are embedded between tread ribs at the 2/32” mark.
How long do tires normally last?
Mileage varies when it comes to tire longevity. Some manufacturers offer tire warranties that cover 80,000 miles, while high-performance tires like you’d find on a Ford Mustang may only last 15,000 miles of aggressive use. Typically, however, you can expect new tires to offer adequate traction for up to 60,000 miles.

Considering the average American covers 12,000 to 15,000 miles of ground annually, that equates to about 5 years of tire life.

What are the common signs of a bad tire?
Excessive tread wear and poor tread depth are the two classic signs you need to replace a tire. You may notice these other symptoms of a bad tire when you drive, but sometimes the signs only show up upon investigation—or when a tire blowout occurs:

Shaking or vibrating – If your vehicle and steering wheel shakes, especially at higher speeds, one or more of your tires may need to be replaced. Other potential causes for excessive vibration include unbalanced tires, misaligned wheels, or bad shock absorbers. When in doubt, head to your trusted Ford auto mechanic to give it a once-over.
Cracks – You’ll usually see tire cracks along the sidewall if the rubber has withstood extreme weather, flooding, temperature changes, or general overuse. If you notice cracks in your tire, consider making it your kid’s new tire swing because it has no place being on your axle.
Blisters & bubbles – Not only are tire blisters unsightly, they’re also incredibly dangerous. These indicate an obvious weak spot in the tire wall that can blow at any moment. If you notice a bubble in your tire, replace it with your spare, then drive into your tire center for advice from an expert. Oftentimes you’ll have to replace the tire entirely.
Odd noises when driving – Along with excessive vibration, bad tires can also make some horrendous sounds. For instance, chopped tire tread make humming noises that increase in volume as the speedometer goes up. Flat or weak spots in a tire can sound like thumping wood, too. Neither of these problems can be patched, thus a new tire is warranted.
Cupping – Also called “scalloping,” tire cupping appears as an uneven pattern of bumps and valleys, typically on the tire tread itself. This is usually caused by faulty suspension components like bad shock absorbers or ball joints.
Feathering – When your car’s toe setting and alignment is off, feathered tread can swipe across the tire. This is commonly a trait of misalignment, though suspension problems could also be the cause.
Heel-Toe – This is a type of feathering that runs front to back along the tire, highlighted by a dull front portion of the tread block. Heel-toe wear is typically a result of improper or insufficient tire rotations.
Poor traction – A car that can’t brake well is not a car you want to be in. Poor traction, particularly when the roads are wet or snowy, is a telltale sign that any or all of your tires have bad tread.
Constant TPMS alerts – Built into most new Ford models, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System keeps you aware of any tire inflation or deflation issues. If you’re constantly having to top off your tire’s PSI, even with extreme temperature changes, you may have some tire leaks. If this is the case, your best course of action is to bring it to your auto service center for a thorough inspection.

Is a patched tire safe?
Properly patched or plugged tires are perfectly safe to use, often providing the same protection as a new tire. At our San Antonio Ford Tire Center, we can patch a leaking tire that’s been pierced by nails, screws, staples, metal pieces, and most other small debris. However excellent our Ford tire technicians are, they don’t recommend using a tire patch on:

Sidewalls
Tires that have been blown out
Punctured tires
Flat tires that have been driven on
Old tires
If you have a flat tire in San Antonio, our technicians will assess the damage and advise you on the best course of action, whether that’s a tire patch or tire replacement.

Should I buy a new set or just replace one tire?
Unless your vehicle is fairly new and the tires haven’t accumulated, say, 10,000 miles on them, it’s best to replace all four tires at once. Ordering a new set of tires ensures you have equal tread wear.

How often should I get a tire rotation?
Always follow the tire rotation schedule in your Ford model’s manual. Typically, our Ford service technicians recommend getting a tire rotation every other oil change or at least twice per year.

Northside Ford logo

If you need to schedule a tire rotation in San Antonio or want advice on another tire problem, simply make an appointment or contact our Northside Ford staff at (210) 525-9800. We have the tools and expertise to patch or replace your wheels in no time.