Tire Tread Guide
What is the Correct Tread Depth?
While dedicated snow tires and truck tires might differ, most tires come with between 9/32” and 12/32” of tread. A tire is considered worn out at 2/32”, and in many states, this is codified into law, including Ohio. You can run into problems before the tread even reaches this point. When driving in rain, a depth of at 4/32” is required for good grip, and in snow it’s 5/32”, which can be very important in Ohio.
Benefits of Having Good Tread
- Better stopping distance
- Better traction, especially in rain or snow
- Improved ride quality
- Safer
- Improved handling
- Ensures that the vehicle is capable of the load, towing, and speed specifications set by Honda
Tire Type
Beyond the simple tread depth, it is also important to make sure you are getting the correct kind of tires. This means not only getting the right size and tread configuration, but that you are getting the specific tires recommended by Honda for your vehicle. The engineers that designed your vehicle had a specific make and model of tires in mind when determining that vehicle’s performance specifications, and in many cases, they will have worked with a tire manufacturer to create a tire just for that specific model. So while there will be plenty of tires that will physically fit on your car, that doesn’t necessarily mean that your vehicle will perform the way it’s supposed to while equipped with them. This includes things like snow tires, although there are situations where you’ll need them anyway. But this is still something you should keep in mind when equipping those tires.
How to Check Your Tread
The best way to check the tread on your tires is to buy a tread gauge. They’re inexpensive and give you an exact reading in 32nds of an inch. But in a pinch, you can also use a penny. Simply stick it in the tread and if Lincoln’s whole head is visible from the side, you need a new tire. It’s best to also look up the specifications in your owner’s manual, as some tires will need more tread than what is simply allowed by law.
Why Have Your Tires Serviced at Germain Honda of College Hills?
Tires have become much more specialized in recent years. Making sure your tires are inspected according to Honda guidelines and replaced using Honda OEM tires is more important than ever. The best way to do that is to bring it to the Honda experts at Germain Honda of College Hills.