🛞 How to Check Your Tire Tread (And Why May Is a Good Time)

When was the last time you checked your tire tread? If you’re like most drivers, it’s probably been a while — or maybe never. But as the seasons change and summer road trips loom, May is the perfect time to make tire safety a priority.

Worn or bald tires can reduce your vehicle’s ability to stop, turn, and handle rain-slick roads. That’s why we’re breaking down a simple way to check your tread and explaining why spring is an ideal time for a tire inspection.

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🚗 Why Tire Tread Matters

Tread depth is the measurement of the grooves in your tire. These grooves help:

• Channel water away to prevent hydroplaning
  
• Maintain traction on wet or uneven roads
  
• Improve stopping distance and overall handling
  

The more worn the tread, the less control you have — especially in rainy conditions or during sudden stops.

Pro tip: Tires with low tread are especially dangerous during spring rainstorms and hot summer road conditions.

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🪙 The Penny Test: A Quick DIY Check

One of the easiest ways to check your tire tread is the classic Penny Test. Here’s how to do it:

1. Take a U.S. penny and hold it with Lincoln’s head facing down.
   
2. Insert it into the tread groove of your tire.
   
3. Look closely:
   
   • If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low (less than 2/32 of an inch).
     
   • If part of Lincoln’s head is covered, your tread is still within a safe range.
     

📏 Bonus Tip: For even better accuracy, you can use a tread depth gauge, available at most auto parts stores.

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🧰 Check All Four Tires — And Not Just the Middle

Tires don’t always wear evenly. Be sure to:

• Check inner and outer edges of each tire
  
• Inspect all four tires, not just one
  
• Look for cracks, bulges, or bald spots while you’re at it
  

If you notice uneven wear, it could signal the need for a tire rotation, alignment, or suspension check.

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🌸 Why May Is the Right Time

May is the gateway to summer, which means:

• More road trips ( End of School trips, vacations, weekend getaways)
  
• Hotter pavement that can stress worn tires
  
• Rainy spring weather that demands strong tread for traction
  

Getting ahead of tire issues now ensures you’ll be safe and ready for whatever the summer throws your way.

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🛠️ Let the Experts Help

Not sure how your tires are doing? Our service team at Schlossmann Honda City can:

• Perform a free tire inspection
  
• Check air pressure and tread depth
  
• Rotate or replace tires if needed
  
• Help you choose the right tires for your driving habits and budget
  

🔧 Special May Offer: Four Wheel Balancing Special

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🚙 Stay Safe and Roll into Summer with Confidence

Your tires are your first line of defense on the road — don’t let worn tread cut your adventures short. Take five minutes to do the penny test, or better yet, let our technicians handle it for you.

👉 Schedule your tire inspection or service appointment today

Tags: Drive, Milwaukee, Schlossmann Honda City, Tires
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