Measuring the tread on a semi truck tire is an important safety measure. Regular tire tread checks ensure that your semi truck tires are in good condition and that they will provide you with the best possible protection while driving. There are several different methods of measuring tire tread, including the penny test, the ruler test, and a professional tread depth gauge.
The Penny Test is one of the simplest ways to check your semi truck tire’s tread depth. All you need is a penny and a flat surface to stand on. To start, take off your shoes and place one foot flat on the ground.
Insert the penny into the tread of your tire so that Abraham Lincoln’s head is facing down into it. If any part of his head is covered by the tread, then your tire has more than 2/32” of remaining tread depth. If his entire head is visible from above, then it’s time to replace it.
The Ruler Test is another popular way to measure tire tread depth for most vehicles, including semi trucks. To begin this test, find a ruler or measuring tape and place it onto your tire’s tread pattern with zero at one end and 32 at the other end.
Then press down firmly on the ruler so that it doesn’t move while you’re taking measurements. Measure each area of the tire’s tread pattern in multiple locations around its circumference to determine its overall average remaining tread depth.
A Professional Tread Depth Gauge is an accurate way to measure your semi truck’s tires’ remaining tread depth without having to rely on makeshift tools like pennies or rulers. This device features an easy-to-read display with both imperial (in) and metric (mm) units of measurement. The gauge itself has a moveable arm with a probe at its tip that simply slides over each section of your tires’ patterned grooves to quickly measure their depths.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, how you measure tire tread on a semi truck depends largely upon which method best suits your needs and preferences. However, all three methods mentioned above – The Penny Test, The Ruler Test, A Professional Tread Depth Gauge – are reliable ways to accurately measure your tires’ remaining tread depth so that you can make sure they remain safe for driving long distances across highways and roads alike.
