Published by Rims & Tires
Compiled & checked by the site's publisher from manufacturer, NHTSA & USTMA data · Updated 2026-07-16
This is the reference chart: every tread depth from new to worn out, and what each level means for your grip. New tires start at 10/32" or 11/32" (about 8mm); the legal minimum is 2/32". If you just want to measure yours in a minute, the how-to guide covers that. This page is the numbers.
Tread depth reference chart
10/32"–11/32": new tread depth for most passenger tires. Full grip, full wet-weather performance, the whole life of the tire still ahead of you.
8/32"–9/32": good condition. Most of the tread life remains, and wet and snow traction are still strong.
6/32": still adequate on wet roads, but this is where most shops tell you to start budgeting for the next set. That goes double heading into a rainy stretch or winter.
4/32": wet traction is meaningfully down. Consumer Reports recommends replacing at this depth rather than waiting for the legal limit, because rain stopping distances climb noticeably below 4/32". Plan to replace soon.
3/32": wet grip is well off and hydroplaning risk keeps climbing. Replace within weeks, not months.
2/32": the legal minimum in most states, Georgia included, and the level the penny test flags. The tire is done. Wet stopping distances here can run 40 to 50 percent longer than a new tire.
How to measure tread depth
Tread depth gauge (most accurate): available at auto parts stores for $5–15. Insert the probe into the tread groove, push the barrel down to the tread surface, read the measurement. Check multiple points across the tread width and in several locations around the circumference.
Quarter test: insert a quarter into the tread groove with Washington's head pointing in. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is at 4/32" or less. Time to plan a replacement.
Penny test: insert a penny with Lincoln's head pointing in. If the top of his head shows, you are at 2/32" or less. That is the legal limit, and the tire needs to come off now.
Tread wear indicators: built into the tire tread grooves at 2/32" depth. Small raised bars appear at the bottom of the grooves when the tire reaches the legal limit.
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Where to measure
Measure at several points across the tread width, center and both outer edges. Uneven wear from an alignment or inflation problem shows up as different readings across the same tire.
Check a few spots around the circumference too. Cupped or scalloped wear shows up as readings that jump around at the same position across the width.
The shallowest reading anywhere on the tire is the one that counts. Not the average.
When to replace vs. when to wait
6/32" or below with rain driving: budget for replacement within the next few months. The wet-weather safety degradation is real.
4/32" or below: replace soon, inside a few weeks. Do not wait for a downpour to find out how much grip you gave up.
2/32": replace immediately. You are at the legal minimum and genuinely unsafe on wet roads.
Recently replaced tires already down to 6/32" from uneven wear: replace them, but fix the cause first. Skip the alignment, balance, or inflation problem behind it and the next set wears out the same way.
Frequently asked
How often should I check tire tread depth?
At every oil change (every 5,000–7,500 miles) is the most practical cadence — most shops will check it for free. Also check when you rotate tires and before any long road trip.
Is 4/32" enough tread to pass inspection in Georgia?
Georgia doesn't run a periodic safety inspection that checks tread on most vehicles, so there's no routine "pass/fail" test to worry about. What does apply is the legal minimum itself: O.C.G.A. § 40-8-74 sets 2/32" as the floor, enforceable by an officer or relevant if a shop flags it. At 4/32" you're above that legal minimum, but well below what most safety organizations recommend for wet-road grip. Legally compliant and actually safe are different thresholds.
Do all tires start at the same tread depth?
No. Most passenger tires start at 10/32" or 11/32". Some performance tires start at 9/32" — trading tread life for stickier compound. Winter tires often start at 11/32"–12/32" for snow performance. Truck and A/T tires typically start at 12/32"–15/32".
What if only one tire is worn out?
Replace the worn tire. On most vehicles, replacing a single tire is fine — match the brand and model of the other tires on the same axle if possible. On AWD vehicles, check tread-depth differences between all four tires and consult your manual about matching requirements.
Keep reading
Last updated 2026-07-16. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.