What's important to know about the tread of your tires

Your vehicle's tires serve as a crucial component, affecting both your driving experience and safety. The complex design of the tire tread pattern, which makes direct contact with the road, is the foundation of traction. Today, we'll break down what you need to know about your tire's tread.

Tire tread types are designed for various driving conditions: from gripping loose terrain during acceleration or braking to efficiently evacuating water in rainy weather. Tread depth is of utmost importance for safe driving. In Russia, tire tread depth is measured in millimeters, with the legally established limit being 1.6 mm of remaining depth for summer tires and 4 mm for winter tires. It's essential to note that many automobile manufacturers recommend replacing tires when the tread reaches 3 mm to ensure optimal safety and reduce the risk of aquaplaning. This recommendation aligns with European standards, which have the same minimum requirements for tires suitable for road use — 1.6 mm. Meanwhile, in Australia, legal use is permitted up to 1.5 mm. The reason for this 0.1 mm difference is not entirely clear, but it's worth considering that replacing tires at 3 mm does make sense, and if safety is a priority, it's advisable to heed this recommendation.

International differences in measurements: a global perspective
The global automotive community exhibits diversity not only in driving habits but also in the metrics used to measure tire tread depth. In the United States, as is often observed, there is a unique approach, measuring tread depth in 32nds of an inch. This distinctive method, similar to using Fahrenheit to measure temperature, sets the US apart from most countries. The average new tire in the US may have a tread depth of 10/32 inches or 11/32 inches. However, the minimum allowed tread depth is set at 2/32 inches for regular driving and 4/32 inches for rain. For winter tires, the minimum tread depth is 6/32 inches.

When to replace tires?
Understanding when to replace tires is crucial for both safety and optimal vehicle performance. As the tread wears out, the tire's ability to evacuate water decreases, leading to increased stopping distances in rainy or winter conditions. While the legal limit is 1.6 mm, it's recommended to maintain a tread depth of at least 3 mm to avoid deteriorating tire performance, especially in adverse weather conditions.

It's also important to note that tires should be carefully evaluated for uneven tread wear. This can be challenging for inexperienced drivers, which is why manufacturers are developing new solutions to address this issue. One simple yet effective solution is the new type of indicator introduced by Hankook, called the "Alignment indicator," which features 4 depressions, two on each shoulder of the tread pattern. As the tread wears unevenly due to improperly set wheel alignment, the indicators will wear asymmetrically, drawing the driver's attention and preventing further wear. This solution is useful and effective, which is why some manufacturers have started to adopt this indicator. Pay attention to this as well.