Should I Replace Tires At 4/32? (Explained)

promotorsservicesh
Jun 6
4 min read

Tires are one of those things you don’t think about much… until something goes wrong.

Like when your car starts slipping in the rain. Or when a mechanic casually tells you your tread depth is “getting down to 4/32” and you just nod even though you have no idea what that means.

Sound familiar? Then, this post is for you!

In this post, we’ll explain if you should replace tires at 4/32 in detail.

What Happens At 4/32"?

At 4/32", your tire tread is noticeably worn and starting to lose important grip.

You’re not at the legal minimum yet (that’s 2/32", which is basically bald), but you’re getting close, and that means traction, braking, and handling are all starting to suffer.

The big issue here is water. Your tires rely on those deep grooves to push water out from under the tread. At 4/32", those grooves are too shallow to move water quickly, which means your tires can start skimming over the surface of the road instead of gripping it. That’s called hydroplaning.

This can be dangerous when you’re going 60 on the highway and hit a big puddle.

In snow or slush, it’s the same story. Shallow tread can’t pack snow into the grooves the way it needs to for traction.

Should You Replace Tires At 4/32?

Short answer: maybe. It depends on how and where you drive.

If you live somewhere that rains a lot, you should consider replacing them. You don’t want to be driving through puddles and hoping for the best. That’s how hydroplaning happens.

Same goes if you drive in snow or slushy winter roads.

Even if you’ve got “all-season” tires, they need decent tread to work properly. Once you’re at 4/32", that winter grip is pretty much gone.

Now, if you’re mostly cruising around in a warm, dry place and your commute is short, you’ve got a little more breathing room. You don’t have to rush to the tire shop, but you should definitely start thinking about replacements soon.

How To Check Your Tread Depth

You don’t need fancy tools to check your tread depth. You don’t even need a trip to the shop. You can do this right in your driveway with something as basic as a coin.

Here are three easy ways to check it:

The Quarter Test

This is the easiest way to check your tread without any tools.

Just grab a quarter and stick it into the tread with Washington’s head facing down.

If the top of his head is showing, you’re at or below 4/32". That’s your cue to start thinking about new tires. If part of his head is still covered, you’ve got a little more life left.

Tread Wear Bars

Your tires actually have built-in indicators that tell you when they’re worn out.

Look closely between the tread grooves and you’ll see little raised bars that run sideways across the tire. When those bars are flush with the tread, you’re at the legal limit (2/32") and it’s definitely time for a change.

If you can see those bars getting close, it’s another sign that you’re in the 4/32" zone.

Tread Depth Gauge

If you want to be exact, grab a cheap tread depth gauge from an auto parts store or online.

You just press it into the tread and it gives you a reading right there.

It’s a handy little tool if you like to keep tabs on wear across all four tires - especially if you’ve been noticing uneven tread or weird handling.

Also Check Out Our Michigan Tire Services

Why Waiting Too Long Can Cost More

You might think you’re saving money by squeezing every last mile out of your tires. And yeah, technically you are - for a minute. But in the long run, waiting too long can actually cost more.

Here’s why:

First off, worn tires mess with your car’s handling. You’ll notice longer braking distances. You might feel your car sliding a bit in turns.

That’s dangerous in a quick-stop situation or bad weather.

Then there’s your fuel economy. As your tread wears down, your tires become less efficient. That means more stops at the pump, which adds up over time.

And if your tires wear unevenly or down to the cords, it can mess with your suspension, alignment, and even your brakes. Now you’re not just replacing tires, you’re potentially dealing with a bigger repair bill.

Worst case? You blow a tire while driving.

Not only is that scary, but it can also cause an accident or damage your vehicle. That’s way more expensive (and stressful) than just replacing your tires a bit early. But that’s super rare.

Also Read: Preparing Your Car for Winter

Bottom Line

If you’re driving in rain or snow a lot, you might want to consider replacing your tires at 4/32. That tread just isn’t cutting it anymore. You don’t want to gamble with safety.

If you’re in a dry area and mostly doing short drives, you might be okay holding off a little while.

Just don’t ignore it. Check often, and start planning for replacements soon.

So keep an eye on your tread, stay ahead of the curve, and you’ll be good to go. Your car (and your wallet) will thank you later.