Measuring tire tread depth
02-21-2018, 08:28 AM
#1
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
Measuring tire tread depth
I know it sounds like a dumb question, but I’ll ask it anyway. In your (forum member’s) opinion, how many different measurements (and locations) should you take for the best accuracy? Last winter I posted a question about replacing a tire that got “screwed”. Several of you suggested that I check with Tire Rack about shaving a tire to match the wear on the other three. I called them yesterday and they confirmed that they provide that service for $30. Thanks for letting me know that this was an option... saved me $900!!
i will be ordering a tire as soon as I can provide Tire Rack with the tread depth...
i will be ordering a tire as soon as I can provide Tire Rack with the tread depth...
02-21-2018, 08:45 AM
#2
AudiWorld Expert
Your tread depth should be pretty much the same across the entire tread. If it is not, you have an alignment or suspension issue that needs to be corrected. Or you are running tire pressure that is way out of line of what is recommended.
Are you finding that your results vary greatly depending on where you measure? Just don't put your measuring gauge on the wear bar, as that will obviously not give you the correct result.
Are you finding that your results vary greatly depending on where you measure? Just don't put your measuring gauge on the wear bar, as that will obviously not give you the correct result.
Last edited by ex-quattro PETE; 02-21-2018 at 12:27 PM.
02-21-2018, 10:25 AM
#3
AudiWorld Expert
Your tread depth should be pretty much the same across the entire tread. If it is not, you have an alignment or suspension issue that needs to be corrected. Or you are running tire pressure that is way out of line of what is recommended.
Are you finding that your results vary greatly depending on where you measure? Just don't put your measuring gauge on the wear bar, as that is obviously not give you the correct result.
Are you finding that your results vary greatly depending on where you measure? Just don't put your measuring gauge on the wear bar, as that is obviously not give you the correct result.
Last edited by Reggie; 02-21-2018 at 10:28 AM.
02-21-2018, 12:46 PM
#4
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
Thanks guys for the help. I tried to measure the tread depth with a steel rule...decided to buy a tread depth gauge, should have it tomorrow. Great advice about the wear bars!!
02-21-2018, 01:27 PM
#5
AudiWorld Senior Member
Barraged if you can find three circumferential grooves, left,centre,right that'll give you an accurate read of the "functional" tread depth. As stated above depth should be pretty equal across the surface. If not get your alignment checked. 3/32" is where you should be budgeting for new rubber for 4 seasons or summers.Winters - they're toast.
02-22-2018, 06:41 AM
#7
AudiWorld Senior Member
Wow, didn't even know shaving a tire to match the wear of others was a thing....
Guess it makes a difference on an AWD car. My other car is rear wheel drive staggered so I would just buy an axle instead.
Guess it makes a difference on an AWD car. My other car is rear wheel drive staggered so I would just buy an axle instead.
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