Tire Repair & Service | Springboro, OH
What Should My Tread Depth Be? Do I Need To Come In for a Tire Check Up?
You’re driving down a road somewhere in Springboro, Centerville, or Miamisburg, content with listening to your radio and letting the scenery pass you by. Suddenly, you hit a wet patch left behind by last night’s rain, and your car swerves violently out of control.
Assuming you didn’t hit anything on the way out and managed to pull over safely, you might be puzzled about what caused you to hydroplane. Was it careless driving? Was the road just especially slick? While these certainly could have played a part, you may be overlooking an important factor: your tires.
Optimal Tire Tread Depth
Generally, new tires have a tread depth of 10/32” to 11/32”. Depending on the type of car, this could be even deeper. As time goes on, the road wears down your tread. You should ideally keep your tread depth at 6/32” or deeper.
When the depth becomes as shallow as 4/32”, you need to consider replacing your tires. At a depth of 2/32”, you’re legally required to replace your tires, as they now pose a hazard to you and others on the road. A tire with very shallow tread depth will not have sufficient traction when it hits a wet, icy, or slushy patch. The best way to catch problems with your tires or wheels is simply to schedule a tire check up.
When Was the Last Time You Came In for a Tire Check Up?
It’s good practice to check your tire pressure every month. It’s also a rather easy practice. Most gas stations allow the use of their pressure gauge and air compressor for free (or for a small fee). If you’ve already built up a habit of checking your pressure every month but tend to overlook your tread depth, make it a point to check both at the same time. Checking tread depth on your own can be accomplished by using the “penny test” — insert a penny upside down into a groove on your tire and check if the top of Lincoln’s head is visible. If it is, then it’s time to call your local Schmidt Auto Care shop for a tire replacement.
Now, these two checks are important but are still very surface-level. If you want to get a truly comprehensive idea of your tire health, you should come in for a tire check up. Experienced mechanics will be able to spot problems you might overlook, such as improper inflation or alignment. Your tires might even be due for a tire rotation without you realizing it.
Protect Your Tire Health With Expert Auto Care Services
At Schmidt Auto Care, we know how important it is for your tires to stay in top condition. We take pride in serving drivers with car repair and vehicle maintenance in Springboro, Centerville, and Miamisburg and ensuring their vehicles roll out of the shop in better condition than they entered. Next time you find yourself facing tire-related issues, don’t hesitate to call us at 937-403-9187 or make an online appointment.
Aside from tire repair and tire rotation, we also offer a range of other services, including oil changes, heating/AC repairs, battery installation, and more! Check out the full list here.
What Should My Tread Depth Be? Do I Need To Come In for a Tire Check Up?
You’re driving down a road somewhere in Springboro, Centerville, or Miamisburg, content with listening to your radio and letting the scenery pass you by. Suddenly, you hit a wet patch left behind by last night’s rain, and your car swerves violently out of control.
Assuming you didn’t hit anything on the way out and managed to pull over safely, you might be puzzled about what caused you to hydroplane. Was it careless driving? Was the road just especially slick? While these certainly could have played a part, you may be overlooking an important factor: your tires.
Optimal Tire Tread Depth
Generally, new tires have a tread depth of 10/32” to 11/32”. Depending on the type of car, this could be even deeper. As time goes on, the road wears down your tread. You should ideally keep your tread depth at 6/32” or deeper.
When the depth becomes as shallow as 4/32”, you need to consider replacing your tires. At a depth of 2/32”, you’re legally required to replace your tires, as they now pose a hazard to you and others on the road. A tire with very shallow tread depth will not have sufficient traction when it hits a wet, icy, or slushy patch. The best way to catch problems with your tires or wheels is simply to schedule a tire check up.
When Was the Last Time You Came In for a Tire Check Up?
It’s good practice to check your tire pressure every month. It’s also a rather easy practice. Most gas stations allow the use of their pressure gauge and air compressor for free (or for a small fee). If you’ve already built up a habit of checking your pressure every month but tend to overlook your tread depth, make it a point to check both at the same time. Checking tread depth on your own can be accomplished by using the “penny test” — insert a penny upside down into a groove on your tire and check if the top of Lincoln’s head is visible. If it is, then it’s time to call your local Schmidt Auto Care shop for a tire replacement.
Now, these two checks are important but are still very surface-level. If you want to get a truly comprehensive idea of your tire health, you should come in for a tire check up. Experienced mechanics will be able to spot problems you might overlook, such as improper inflation or alignment. Your tires might even be due for a tire rotation without you realizing it.
Protect Your Tire Health With Expert Auto Care Services
At Schmidt Auto Care, we know how important it is for your tires to stay in top condition. We take pride in serving drivers with car repair and vehicle maintenance in Springboro, Centerville, and Miamisburg and ensuring their vehicles roll out of the shop in better condition than they entered. Next time you find yourself facing tire-related issues, don’t hesitate to call us at 937-403-9187 or make an online appointment.
Aside from tire repair and tire rotation, we also offer a range of other services, including oil changes, heating/AC repairs, battery installation, and more! Check out the full list here.
