A tire is legally worn out at 2/32 inch of tread depth, but grip in rain and snow drops off well before that. Checking takes about a minute per tire.
The Penny Test
Put a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is at or below 2/32 inch and the tire needs replacing. Check at several points around each tire.
Check the Wear Bars
Every tire has raised bars molded into the bottom of the grooves. When the surrounding tread wears down flush with those bars, the tire is at its legal limit.
Signs Beyond Tread Depth
Cracking in the sidewall or tread grooves, bulges or blisters, uneven wear from an alignment or suspension issue, vibration that a balance doesn't fix, or repeated slow leaks. Age matters too — many manufacturers suggest replacing tires around six years old regardless of tread.
Replace in Pairs or Sets
Replacing all four keeps handling balanced. If you only replace two, they go on the rear axle for stability — even on a front-wheel-drive car.
Tire Checks for Albuquerque's North Valley
We're at 4201 4th St NW in the North Valley. If your tread is uneven rather than just low, it's worth checking alignment and suspension first — see our tire & alignment service.