How should I measure tire tread depth to check for uneven wear?

Answer reviewed by Jiří Chomát

Hello, I would use a tread-depth gauge and compare readings across and around every tire. Insert the probe into a main tread groove and press the gauge’s base flat against the surrounding tread. Measure beside the raised wear-indicator bars, rather than on them. Check the inner, center and outer tread areas, repeating at several positions around the circumference, especially wherever wear looks greater. Record the readings separately so you can compare locations; use the lowest reading when assessing remaining tread, rather than averaging away a worn patch. If you find uneven wear, scooped patches or are unsure of your measurements, have a tire technician inspect the tires and vehicle. Uneven wear can have several causes, including incorrect inflation or wheel misalignment, so the readings alone should not be treated as a diagnosis.