Tread Wear Indicator

Driving a vehicle with worn-out tires can be very risky. However, most of us are not concerned about the condition of the tires and may not even replace them in time. How do we know when to replace tires? Periodic inspection of the tires can help you in determining their condition and decide whether to replace it or not as you would do for other auto parts. A superficial inspection may not help you to get a right idea about the tire condition.

What are Tread Wear Indicators

While most of us are aware of the use of these indicators, there are some people, who are ignorant about this tire monitoring system. So knowledge about this system can be really beneficial in checking the tire for wear and tear. These indicators are those raised sections, that are molded into the grooves of tires. As these indicators or bars made of hard rubber are located across the tread patterns, they may not be visible in new tires. Nowadays, most of the automobiles are fitted with tires that come with tread wear indicators, that are placed around the circumference of the tire. Each tire has several such indicators, that have approximately 1.6 mm of height. They act like a monitoring system, that can help you find out when to replace tires.

How to Use Tread Wear Indicators

Now, we know that bars are molded in between the treads in tires and each tire has several such bars, that are located along the circumference of the tire. Using these indicators is one of the easiest methods to determine the condition of the tire. These bars are made of hard rubber, which may not be visible in new tires, but, as the tread wears down, these bars become visible. As per the current standards, the treat wear indicators appear on the tire only when the tread gets worn down to 1/16 of an inch. You can measure the depth of the tread with a ruler to determine whether the tire has to be replaced or not. If the depth is more than 1/16 of an inch, then, there is no need of immediate tire replacement. If the depth is nearer to 1/16 of an inch, then, you have to think of new tires in the near future. If it is lower than 1/16 of an inch, immediate tire replacement is necessary. However, there are various other factors, that have to be taken into consideration, while reading these indicators. The tread depth has to be taken at several different points along the circumference of the tire, because, it may happen that the wear and tear is concentrated on some locations only. In such cases, wheel alignment has to be done. If the wear and tear is uniform, then replacement is required. In short, the visibility of two to three tread wear indicator bars on different locations, that are at least less than 120 degrees apart on the circumference of the tire, means that tire replacement is necessary.

Now, you know how to interpret tread wear indicators on tire, in order to determine its condition. This built-in tire monitoring system is one of the easiest methods to find out the degree of wear and tear on tires. So, don't forget to inspect your tires, at least once in a month.