Tire Wear: How to Assess It and When to Replace the Set?

As temperatures outside rise rapidly and spring approaches, car owners increasingly start thinking about switching to summer tires. Incidentally, it is safe to assume that most drivers only give their tires a thought when the time comes to switch between summer and winter sets.

However, it is worth paying attention to your tires much more frequently; after all, this is not just about keeping your vehicle in top condition—it is primarily about your personal safety. Tire wear and failure to replace tires on time can lead to unexpected situations on the road—scenarios that should certainly be avoided. To ensure your safety and that of your vehicle, take a closer look at the issue of tire wear.

How to determine the degree of tire wear

It is important to understand that the condition of the tire tread is a crucial factor determining how well the tire grips the road surface. The criterion used to assess this condition is known as tread depth. It is also important to note that this figure carries different significance for winter and summer tire sets. The rubber compounds used in winter and summer tires differ, as does the expected lifespan of the tread pattern.

Some of the factors that most significantly influence tire condition include:

• driving style, which depends entirely on the driver;
• road surface quality.

Driving on poor-quality city streets or country roads—combined with aggressive acceleration or braking—will significantly shorten your tires' lifespan. It is essential to replace worn tires promptly and select a suitable new set. According to experts, the minimum permissible tread depth is:

• 1.6 mm for summer tires;
• 4 mm for winter tires.

Methods for determining wear

Tread depth can be measured in several ways, using:

• depth gauge;
• caliper;
• ruler;
• kopeck.

The best solution is to visit a service center for professional assistance; there, experts can determine the required measurement using the first two methods listed and, if you wish, perform a full vehicle diagnostic to ensure it is in perfect working order.

However, if you do not have time to visit a service center, it is entirely possible to determine the depth measurement yourself using the last two methods on the list:

• Gauge: insert the tool into the groove between the tread blocks and read the scale, comparing the measurement against recommended standards.
• Coin: you can also insert a coin into the tread groove; if the word "kopecks" is not visible, the tire is still within the acceptable range.

Important — measuring tread depth yourself does not guarantee accurate results, so we recommend consulting a professional at the earliest opportunity.

There is also a method designed with your convenience in mind: modern tires featuring a built-in wear indicator. A colored layer is embedded in the tire compound during manufacturing, making it easily visible as the tire wears down. If the indicator becomes visible, it is time to replace the worn tires with a new set.

Uneven wear

Uneven tire wear is a significant issue. The causes can vary widely:

• incorrect tire pressure;
• significant vehicle overloading;
• poor road surface quality;
• lack of wheel balancing, etc.

To accurately assess the degree of wear and address the problem effectively, it is necessary to measure the tread depth at several points. Furthermore, if you clearly notice uneven tire wear, you should visit a service center as soon as possible to identify the cause. Taking this step will not only help prevent damage to your set of tires but also ensure your safety. trips overall.