Bob Ulrich

Editor

Bob Ulrich was named Modern Tire Dealer editor in August 2000. He joined the magazine in 1985 as assistant editor, and has been responsible for gathering statistical information for MTD's "Facts Issue" since 1993. He has won numerous awards for editorial and feature writing, including five gold medals from the International Automotive Media Association. Bob earned a B.A. in English literature from Ohio Northern University and has a law degree from the University of Akron.

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Tread depth controversy lingers on, or how to get some publicity for only 26 cents

By: Bob Ulrich

Not much has changed since our July 2008 story on the minimum tread depth controversy. The government still only requires that tread wear indicators be visible when the minimum legal limit of 2/32nd-inch is reached.

And The Tire Rack continues to be the most vocal proponent of replacing tires at 4/32nd inches. As it recommends on its Web site, drivers expecting to experience wet weather conditions should consider replacing their tires when they reach 4/32nd-inch of remaining tread depth.

Why? "Tire Rack's tests have shown how shallow treads reduce wet braking traction and increase stopping distances." (For more information, visit www.tirerack.com.)

In our previous story, tire manufacturers were divided on which tread depth to recommend (click on "2/32nds or 4/32nds? It's the degree of safety that needs to be discussed"). Although it wasn't mentioned, perhaps they were influenced by legal issues.

Two years later, the topic is still open to debate. But two organizations made their positions known recently while promoting car safety for holiday and summer travel.

On the "Today" show on May 22, the American Automobile Association (AAA) was showing co-host Lester Holt how to check for the proper tread using a quarter.

"You need the tread to be covering part of Washington's head," said the AAA spokeswoman. The distance from the edge of the quarter to the top of George Washington's head is roughly 4/32nd-inch

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) recently offered five tips to make the summer road trip safe and pleasant. Number one was "use the penny test" to check for minimum tread depth.

"The old test still works -- place a penny in a major tread groove of a tire with Lincoln's head facing down," advised TIA. "If the top of Lincoln's head is visible at any point in any major tread groove, it's a good sign that the tire needs to be replaced."

Based on its coin choice, TIA suggests replacing tires at 2/32nd-inch.

As tire dealers, whichever you deem the more appropriate tread depth, be consistent in what you recommend to your customers. Having a policy in writing wouldn't hurt.

And keep the correct change on hand. What better, simpler way is there to explain to your customers why they need to replace their tires than to use the penny -- or quarter -- test?

Related Topics: Tire Industry Association, Tire Rack, Tread depth