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Tread Depth and Wear Patterns
Legal minimums, measuring, and what irregular wear tells you.
Minimums
New York requires at least 2/32" of tread. For wet and winter performance, many shops recommend replacement around 4/32". Commercial steer tires require 4/32" under federal rules.
Measuring
Use a tread depth gauge in the main grooves at several points across the tread. Wear bars molded at 2/32" show when a tire is at the limit.
Reading wear
Center wear points to overinflation; both shoulders to underinflation; one shoulder to camber or toe issues; cupping to suspension or balance problems.
Talk to the customer
Irregular wear means the new tires will wear the same way unless alignment or suspension is addressed. That's an upsell that protects the sale.