Tire Wear Indicator Bars

The design of tire tread, determines how well a tire will act on different road conditions, such as ice, water, mud, and snow. A tire with very little tread is more likely to lose traction or hydroplane on wet roads. Hydroplaning occurs when the tire is lifted off the road by a thin film of water. Directional tires have a “V” tread pattern that helps remove water faster to better resist hydroplaning. Tire wear indicator bars run perpendicular to the tread providing a visual, tool free inspection of tread depth. Tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch or in millimeters. A tire is legally worn out when tread reaches 2/32nds of an inch (1.6 mm), the same level as the indicator bars. Inspect your tires regularly to make sure they have plenty of tread.