Every motorist wants to purchase only the best products for his car. When buying rubber, they often judge its quality by the height of the tread of new summer tires. The rules of the road indicate the universal depth of the picture, but the performance of different companies may vary. You can find out what indicators the tread should have and how to measure them in this article.
Why do I need a tread pattern?
Even people far from the world of cars, for sure, paid attention to a peculiar pattern on the tires. It is applied not just like that, but depending on the conditions in which the operation of the car is planned. The main purpose of the tread is to drain water from the tire surface and improve traction. Tires wear out over time, and therefore it is important to periodically check the depth of the pattern in order to replace the tires in time. After all, a rubber coating is what ensures driving safety, cornering stability 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 brand of car. That is why, before buying, you need to look into the data sheet of the car, in which the recommended tires are usually indicated.
If you do not have such an opportunity, tires can be selected according to the following criteria:
- Seasonality (summer or winter).
- The purpose of the wheels (sports, road, off-road).
Depending on the operating conditions and the type of car, the tread pattern can radically differ. For example, in SUVs, the tread height on tires reaches 17 mm, while for sports cars only 5 mm is recommended.
Features drawing summer tires
In summer, weather conditions are radically different from winter. There is no ice or snow on the pavement, so the main goals of summer tires are:
- Drain water.
- Extend the period of operation.
- Keep the road.
What is the tread height of the new summer tire? This indicator ranges from 6 to 8 millimeters. Unfit for use is the tire with a depth of less than 6 millimeters. When buying summer tires, attention should also be paid to the symmetry of the pattern on the tires. Tires with this pattern provide the best handling in city driving conditions. They are quiet, durable and sold at a reasonable price. But if you prefer to ride at high speeds, it is better to purchase tires with an asymmetric pattern. They hold the road well and provide a stable position of the car even in sharp turns.
Tread depth according to traffic rules
The tread height of new summer tires seriously affects driving safety. Even partial wear of the pattern worsens the grip on a dry road, and in the rain you seriously risk falling into a skid if you do not change the tires on time. If the traffic police 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 should be at least 1.6 millimeters. If you have violated this rule, the inspector has the right to issue you a fine. But experts do not advise to wait until this indicator reaches a critical mark. For example, in Europe tires with a tread depth of less than 3 mm are not allowed.
But how to determine whether it is worth buying a new “shoe” for a 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 necessary indicators. But if you are an ordinary person, most likely you do not have such a device. But to solve this problem is very simple: just take an ordinary coin.
Insert it into the groove and mark with black marker the place where the rubber ends. Then measure the depth with a coin ruler. You can also use a standard ruler for measurement.
If you are not a supporter of “artisanal” 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 tread height, then the tires must be urgently replaced.
Also, on the rubber of some brands there is a special color layer that appears on the tread with a critical degree of wear. One way or another, using one of these methods, you can learn about the need to replace tires.
Features of tread depth at different manufacturers
The tread height of new summer tires from different manufacturers can vary greatly. Information on the depth of the picture must be known 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 usually 7.8 millimeters. Values may vary depending on vehicle model. Michelin tires are considered one of the most reliable in the world, so after buying a new rubber, this figure can be safely not checked for 2-3 years.
The tread height of the new Bridgestone summer tire is at around 8 millimeters. Such a depth of the drawing allows the car to perfectly keep the road and taxi even from the most difficult situations. When driving in the summer, a car on Bridgestone tires practically does not create additional noise.
If we talk about the popular Yokohama brand, the tread height of the new summer tires of this manufacturer is from 7.5 to 8 millimeters. If in front of you is a rubber designed for high speeds, then the depth of the picture is usually 12 mm.
Summary
When operating a car, you must 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 do not replace the rubber in time, you risk getting into a traffic accident. The service life of all tires is ten years, 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%. Resistance to aquaplaning is also reduced. The car becomes noisy and hard 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 to change tires or not.