Tread depth is what gives your tires grip on wet roads, snow, and ice. As tread wears down, that grip disappears — often before drivers notice.
The Penny Test (And Why It’s Not Enough)
You may have heard of sticking a penny into the tread with Queen Elizabeth’s head down — if you can see the top of her head, it’s time to replace. This works as a rough guide, but a proper tread depth gauge (a few dollars at any auto parts store) gives you an exact number.
The Legal and Safe Minimum
In Ontario, tires are considered worn out at 2/32 inch (1.6mm) of tread. But for winter driving, most experts recommend replacing well before that — closer to 4/32 inch — since grip on snow and ice drops off fast as tread gets thin.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Wear bars becoming visible across the tread
- Uneven wear on one side (can mean an alignment issue)
- Reduced grip in rain or snow
- Longer stopping distances
How Often to Check
Check your tread once a month, or any time you get an oil change. It only takes a minute and can catch a problem before it becomes a safety risk.
Not sure how much tread you have left? Stop by President Tire & Wheels in Waterloo — we’ll check all four tires for free.
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