What is the tread height of new summer tires?

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Every motorist wants to buy only the best products for his car. When buying rubber, most often they judge its quality by the tread height of new summer tires. The rules of the road indicate the universal depth of the drawing, but the indicators for different companies may vary. You can find out what indicators a tread should have and how to measure them in this article.

Why do I need a tread pattern?

Even people who are far from the world of cars, probably paid attention to the peculiar pattern on the tires. It was applied not just like that, but depending on the conditions in which it is planned to operate the car. The main purpose of the tread is to wick water away from the surface of the tires and improve traction. Tires wear out over time, so it is important to periodically check the depth of the tread to ensure that tires are replaced in time. After all, the rubber coating is what ensures driving safety, stabilitycornering and good grip. What else determines the quality of tires?

In addition to the height and tread pattern, the composition of the rubber from which the tires are made plays an important role. These indicators are calculated using special computer programs that select the best ratio for a particular car brand. That is why, before buying, you need to look at the technical passport of the car, which usually indicates the recommended tires.

If you do not have such an opportunity, tires can be selected according to the following criteria:

1. Seasonality (summer or winter).
2. Designation of wheels (sports, road, off-road).

Depending on the operating conditions and type of vehicle, the tread pattern may vary dramatically. For example, SUV tires have a tread height of 17mm, while sports cars only recommend 5mm.

Features of the pattern of summer tires

Summer weather conditions are radically different from winter. There is no ice or snow on the pavement, so the main goals for summer tires are:

• Drain water.
• Prolong the service life.
• Keep on the road.

What is the tread height of a new summer tire? This figure ranges from 6 to 8 millimeters. A tire whose depth is less than 6 millimeters is considered unsuitable for use. When buying summer tires, you should also pay attention to the symmetrytire pattern. Tires with this pattern provide the best handling in city driving. They are quiet, durable and reasonably priced. But if you prefer to ride at high speeds, it is better to purchase tires with an asymmetric pattern. They provide excellent road holding and keep the car stable even in tight corners.

Tread depth according to traffic rules

The tread height of new summer tires seriously affects driving safety. Even partial wear on the pattern reduces dry grip, and in the rain you are at serious risk of skidding if you don't change your tires on time. If the traffic police officer decides to check the tread depth, you need to know the rules for traffic rules.

The height of the "grooves" on the rubber, according to the Rules of the Road, must be at least 1.6 millimeters. If you violate this rule, the inspector has the right to write you a fine. But experts do not advise waiting until this figure reaches a critical point. For example, tires with a tread depth of less than 3 mm are not allowed in Europe.

But how do you know if you should buy new "shoes" for your car or not?

How to determine the tread height of new summer tires?

To determine this parameter, there is a special device that allows you to effortlessly measure the desired indicators. But if you are an ordinary person, most likely you do not have such a device. But the solution to this problem is very simple: just take an ordinary coin.

Insert it into the groove and mark with a black marker where the rubber ends. Then measure the depth on the coin with a ruler. You can also use a regular ruler to measure.

If you are not a supporter of "handicraft" methods, you can also determine the degree of tire wear by a special indicator, which is made in the form of a separate protrusion on the tire. In the event that it is equal to the level of the tread height, then the tires must be urgently replaced.

Also, some brands of rubber have a special colored layer that appears on the tread at a critical degree of wear. One way or another, using one of these methods, you can find out about the need to replace tires.

Features of tread depth from different manufacturers

The tread height of new summer tires from different manufacturers can vary greatly. You need to know the pattern depth information in order to make sure that the tires are brand new when buying.

For example, the tread height of a new Michelin summer tire is typically 7.8 millimeters. Values may vary depending on the vehicle model. Michelin tires are considered one of the most reliable in the world, so after buying a new tire, you can safely not check this indicator for 2-3 years.

The tread height of the new Bridgestone summer tire is at around 8 millimeters. This depth of drawing allows the car to hold the road perfectly andget out of even the most difficult situations. When driving in the summer, a car with Bridgestone tires creates almost no additional noise.

If we talk about the popular Yokohama brand, the tread height of the new summer tire of this manufacturer is from 7.5 to 8 millimeters. If you have a rubber designed for high speeds, then the depth of the pattern is usually 12 mm.

Results

When using your car, you should regularly (at least once a season) check the depth of the projector tires, especially if they have been in your use for a long time. If you don't change your tires on time, you risk getting into an accident. All tires have a ten year lifespan, but experts recommend replacing them after 6 seasons.

Why is it so important to change tires on time? The fact is that with tire wear of 50%, grip deteriorates by 30%. Hydroplaning resistance is also reduced. The car becomes noisy and difficult to control. But knowing how to measure the tread depth and the standard depth for each brand, you can easily determine for yourself whether your "iron horse" needs a tire change or not.