The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that commercial trucks tires meet certain standards.
Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs), such as trucks, can be placed out of service if they have a tire that:
Has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall.
Has any tread
or sidewall separation.
Is flat or has an audible leak.
Has a cut to the extent that the ply or belt material is exposed.
Has Inadequate tread depth.
The DOT also establishes tread depth guidelines for steer tires (front) to ensure that tires are safe and dependable. According to the DOT, steer tires must have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inches. This maintains the vehicle’s traction in wet or slippery conditions.
Tires other than the steer tires, including trailer tires, must have a tread groove pattern depth of at least 2/32 of an inch. Tires must also be free of any:
Bulges.
Cuts.
Cracks.
Damage that could cause tire failure, or blowout, while driving.
Exposed cords or belts.
Tread depth is measured in a commercial tire’s “major grooves.” The major grooves are located in center of the tire and can be easily identified by looking for a tread wear indicator inside the groove.
Tread wear indicators are small blocks of rubber between each major tire tread groove. The most accurate way to measure tread depth is to use a commercial grade tire tread depth tool.
To properly use a tread depth tool:
Use a tread depth tool made for commercial vehicles.
Find the lowest spot on the tire.
Push the tire tread depth tool into the tread.
Press down on the tire
tread depth tool until it reaches the bottom of the tread.
Read the measurement to determine tread depth. If the tire tread depth is below the manufacturer’s recommendations or DOT requirements, the tire will need to be replaced as soon as possible.
Remember, safety doesn’t have to be difficult, simple steps, such as checking your tires tread depth regularly can prevent injuries and save lives!
