How to Check Tire Tread Depth: A Full Guide

August 10, 2025

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How to Check Tire Tread Depth: A Full Guide

When was the last time you checked your car’s tire tread? Most drivers don’t think about tire tread depth until it’s either completely worn out or a mechanic points it out during a routine inspection. The thing is, waiting too long can put your safety at risk. If you don’t have enough tread depth, your tires will lose their ability to maintain proper traction, especially on slippery, wet, or uneven roads.

In this guide, we will show you some easy methods to measure tire tread depth before it becomes a safety concern.

How Do I Check Tire Tread?

You can check tire tread depth using a tread depth gauge, a coin, or tread wear indicator bars that most tires have. Here’s how you can use each tool:

Tread Depth Gauge: This tool is the most accurate one, and you can use it by inserting the probe into the tread groove, then pressing the base flat against the tread block. The reading will tell you how much tread is left.
A Coin: If you don’t have a tire tread depth gauge, you can use a Canadian quarter and place it into the tread with the caribou’s nose pointing down. If the nose is fully visible, then your tread is too shallow.
Tread Wear Indicator Bars: These bars, also known as wear bars, are small raised sections between the tread grooves. If the tread is on the same level as the bars, it means that the tire needs to be replaced.

What Is the Minimum Tire Tread Depth in Canada?

1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch) is the minimum tire tread depth in Canada, meaning that once your tire depth reaches this point, you need to have your tire replaced because it’s not considered safe or legal in Canada. You shouldn’t risk driving with a car tire tread depth of 1.6 mm or less because it reduces traction with the road and increases the risk of accidents, especially with poor road conditions.

If your tire tread is worn and you’re stuck on the road, our emergency flat tire service can help you with that. Subscribe to our CDRA membership program and never face road troubles alone again.

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How to Measure Tire Tread Depth

Measuring tire tread depth is a quick and simple process, but it can save you from serious safety risks and unexpected accidents. Here’s how to check tire tread measurements:

Find the main grooves in the tire tread.
Insert a tire depth gauge or a Canadian quarter into the groove.
Check the reading on the indicator, or see if the caribou’s nose is visible.
Measure other spots around the tire because it might have uneven tire wear.
If the tread is above 4/32″ (3.2 mm), your tires are still safe.
If the tread is 2/32″ (1.6 mm) or less, you should replace the tire immediately.

If worn tire tread causes a flat or blowout, and you’re a member of our roadside assistance program, contact us, and we’ll get to you promptly. If you’re not a member yet, subscribe today to our CDRA membership program and benefit from the best roadside assistance in Canada.

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Also read:

Are Your Tires Safe? Use This Tire Tread Depth Chart to Find Out

Most people don’t know when they need to change their tires until it’s too late. If you’re not sure if your tires are still safe or if you don’t know how to check your tire tread, we’ve got you covered. Our tire tread depth chart in Canada explains how to check tread depth. Whether you’re using a tire depth gauge chart or a Canadian quarter, this chart will help you understand tire wear measurements and when you should replace your tires.

How to Check Tire Tread With a Canadian Quarter

The Canadian quarter tire test is very simple, and you can do it by following these steps:

Before proceeding with the quarter test for tires in Canada, ensure your quarter is clean and that you can see the caribou.
Insert the quarter into the tread groove.
If the caribou’s nose is covered and you can’t see it, it means your tire tread is still safe.
If you can see the full nose, your tread is worn and should be replaced.
Tires don’t wear evenly, so even if the caribou’s nose is covered in one spot, you should repeat the quarter tire tread depth test in several areas to check for uneven wear.

You can also check our tire tread quarter test chart in Canada to understand what your results mean and know when it’s time to replace your tires.

How to Check Tread Depth with a Tire Tread Depth Gauge

A tire depth gauge is one of the most accurate tools for measuring the remaining tread on tires. It helps you determine if your tires need to be replaced by providing a precise reading of your tread depth in millimeters or 32nds of an inch.

You can measure tread depth using a depth gauge by following these steps:

Insert the gauge pin into the tread groove and make sure the base of the tool is flush with the tires.
Press the gauge down gently to ensure the pin is fully inserted.
If the measurement is 5/32 tire tread or more, it means that your tires are in good condition.
If the tread is between 3/32″ and 4/32″, it means that you might not need to change them now, but they will soon need to be replaced.
If your tread depth at 2/32″ or less, then it’s time for a new tire because the legal limit for tread depth in Canada is 2/32″ (1.6 mm). Driving with a tread depth that’s below this limit isn’t safe and may not meet road safety regulations.

How to Check Tread Depth with Tire Tread Wear Bars or Indicators

Most tires have built-in tread wear indicators that help you measure tread depth by following these easy steps:

Locate the small raised bars inside the main tread grooves.
If the surrounding tread is on the same level as the wear bars, it means your tire tread depth is 2/32″ or less, and the tires should be replaced immediately.
Check multiple areas along your tire to ensure there isn’t uneven wear.

What Is Tire Tread in Canada?

Tire tread is the patterned rubber on the surface of your tires that grips the road and prevents slipping. If your tire tread is so low, your tires can lose traction, especially on slippery, wet, or snowy road conditions. This can make it harder for you to brake, steer, or stop safely. If your tire tread is below 2/32″ in Canada, you should change your tire immediately. You can measure tread depth using a gauge, indicator bars, or you can easily conduct a tire tread quarter test at home.

Helpful Winter Tip: If you’re unable to get your vehicle free of snow or ice, what should you do?

What Is a Good Tire Tread Depth?

A good tire tread depth is anything at 5/32″ (about 4 mm) or more. At this level, your tires have strong traction and are considered safe for most road conditions, including snowy and wet roads. If your tire tread depth is at 4/32″, it’s still good to use, but it won’t be safe on wet or slippery roads. If your tire tread is below 2/32″, it means that you should replace your tire immediately.

Our tire professionals at CDRA suggest checking your tread regularly, especially before winter or long trips, to ensure safety for you, your passengers, and others on the road.

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What Is New Tire Tread Depth?

New tire tread depth is around 10/32″ to 11/32″, depending on the type of tire. The tread depth on new tires differs between summer tires to winter tires, as winter tires have deeper tread patterns to handle snow, slush, and ice. Meanwhile, summer tires have shallower tread for better performance.

Where to Measure Tire Tread Depth?

To get an accurate reading, measure tire tread depth in the main grooves of the tread pattern. These grooves are the deep, central channels that run around the tire. You should check:

The center of the tread (most important for even wear)
The inner and outer edges (to spot uneven wear)
Multiple spots around the tire (since wear can vary by position)

Measuring the tread depth in several places ensures that you don’t miss any signs of uneven wear, which could affect traction, handling, and tire safety.

Is 6/32″ a Good Tire Tread in Canada?

6/32″ is a good tire tread in Canada for regular driving conditions. You have good traction, handling, and braking at this depth. Even in winter, 6/32″ has enough tread to drive safely on snowy and slippery roads. But you should still keep an eye on your tires because 6/32″ tread covers the minimum recommended tread depth for safe winter driving in Canada.

How to Check Winter Tire Tread?

To check tread depth for winter tires, you can use a tire tread depth gauge or a Canadian quarter. Insert the gauge pin into the tread groove or place the quarter with the caribou’s nose pointing down. If the caribou’s nose is fully visible or the tread measures less than 6/32″, you should change your tires.

If you’re in the US, you can do the penny test instead of the Canadian quarter as follows:

Place a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is below 2/32″ and you should replace your tires immediately.
You can also use a US quarter and insert it with Washington’s head facing down; if the top of his head is visible, your tread is below 4/32″ and you need to change your winter tires.

What Tread Depth to Replace Tires:

You should replace your tires based on the remaining tread:

6/32″ or More: Your tires are in good condition; you don’t need to change them.
5/32″: Still safe, but you should consider changing them in winter.
4/32″: You should start planning for replacement.
3/32″: You should replace your tires as they won’t provide enough traction.
2/32″ or less: Legally worn out in Canada. Replace immediately for safety and compliance.

How Do You Read a Tire Wear Indicator?

Tire wear indicator bars, or tire wear bars, are small raised sections located inside the main tread grooves of your tire. If the tread on your tire is worn down to the same level as these bars, it means that the tread depth has reached 2/32″ and the tire should be replaced immediately. If the tread is above these bars, it means that your tire is good and you can still use it in Canada.

What Is the Minimum Legal Tire Tread Depth in Canada?

The minimum legal tire tread depth in Canada is 2/32″ (1.6 mm). Driving with a tread that’s below this limit is unsafe and may be illegal in some provinces. Worn treads affect how your wheels perform on the road and can lead to poor traction, longer stopping distances, and a higher risk of hydroplaning. Reducing your tires before they reach the minimum legal tread isn’t just a requirement; it’s a safety procedure that can protect your life and the lives of others on the road.

What Is the Ideal Summer Tire Tread Depth?

The ideal summer tire tread depth is 6/32″ or more. You can also use your tires in summer if the tread is between 4/32″ and 5/32″, but they might provide decreased performance compared to a tire with deeper tread. With reduced depth, you might experience longer stopping distances and less traction, and when your tire tread reaches 4/32″ or less, you’ll need to replace your tire.

What Is a Good Tread Depth for All-Season Tires?

The best tread depth for all-season tires is 6/32″ or more. At this level, your tires have a strong grip on the road, provide smooth handling, and offer solid performance in both summer and winter. 4/32″ can also be an acceptable tread depth in summer, but it won’t give you the traction you need in wet and dry conditions. Many drivers think that summer tires worn out over the season are still usable, but once the tread drops below this level, stopping distance increases, and safety is compromised.

Is 9/32″ a Good Tread?

Yes, 9/32″ is a good tread depth; it actually means that your tire is relatively new. Most new tires have a tread depth of 10/32″ to 11/32″, so 9/32″ indicates very minimal wear. At this level, you won’t need to worry about changing your tire because it’s in good condition and it offers excellent traction, handling, and braking performance in both dry and wet road conditions.

How to Check Tire Tread With a Ruler

Find the main tread groove and insert the ruler vertically.
Read the measurement and if it shows:

- 6/32″ (4.8 mm) or more: Your tire is in good condition
- 4/32″ to 5/32″: No need for a replacement now, but monitor closely
- 2/32″ or less: Replace your tire immediately

3. Check multiple spots because tires wear out unevenly.

4. Your owner’s manual may include recommended tread depths for your vehicle or tips on seasonal tire performance.

How to Check Tire Tread Depth – FAQs

How to tell if tire treads are worn and that you need new tires?

To determine if your tire tread is worn, you can measure the remaining tread using a tread depth gauge, a Canadian Quarter, or tread wear indicators. If the tire tread depth is 2/32″ or less, you should replace your tire right away.

How accurate is the penny test for tire tread?

The penny test is an accurate way to determine if your tire tread is below 2/32″, and if so, you should replace your tire. However, if you’re checking your tire tread before winter, you should use a quarter test instead, as it better reflects the deeper tread needed for safe driving in snow and slush (around 4/32″ to 6/32″).

What does a good tire tread look like?

A good tire will have enough tread depth for safe traction, even wear across the surface, and clearly visible tread patterns. It’ll have a depth of 6/32″ or more, with deep grooves that help channel water, grip on the road, and prevent hydroplaning.

How often should tires be replaced?

You should replace your tires every 6 to 10 years, even if they appear to have enough tread. You might also need to replace your tires before that if the tread seems too low, or if they have cracks, bulges, or uneven wear.

Should I replace all four tires at once?

Yes, the ideal approach is to replace all your tires at once to maintain balanced handling, traction, and stability. If you replace only one or two tires, it’ll cause uneven performance and will affect how your vehicle grips the road.

Which tires wear out first, front or rear?

In most vehicles, front tires wear out faster than rear tires because they handle the majority of the steering, braking, and engine weight, especially in front-wheel-drive vehicles.

Should I replace my tire at 5/32″?

You don’t need to replace your tires immediately at 5/32″, but you need to pay attention to them, especially if it’s winter. Once your tread drops to 2/32″, you should replace your tire right away because it’s considered legally worn out in Canada.

Is 6/32″ too early to replace tires?

Yes, 6/32″ is too early to replace tires because they’re still in good condition. If it’s winter, we recommend changing your tires when the tread depth is below 4/32″.

How bald is too bald for tires?

If your tire tread depth is 2/32″ (1.6 mm) or less, your tires are considered legally bald in Canada and should be replaced immediately.

What is the legal tread depth for tires in Canada?

The legal tread depth for tires in Canada is 2/32″, and when your tread reaches this level, you should immediately change your tire. However, our experts at CDRA recommend that you change your tires when the tread reaches 4/32″, especially before winter or wet conditions.

Is 4/32″ a good tire tread depth?

A 4/32″ tire tread is considered borderline. We don’t recommend driving with this tire tread because it significantly reduces traction, especially on slippery and snowy roads.

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