Tread Depth Checker
Not sure if your tires still have life in them? Upload a photo of the tread and we'll give you a quick estimate — free, no account needed.
This is an AI estimate from one photo, and it can be wrong — in testing it has mistaken worn tread for good tread. Don't rely on this alone, especially a "Good" or "Adequate" reading before a trip or winter driving. Always confirm with a real tread depth gauge, the coin test yourself, or have a shop check it.
Get close and snap a clear, side-on photo of the tread groove
Angle your phone so you're looking into the groove from the side — not straight down — so the depth is visible.
Inserting a quarter first (caribou head facing down into the groove) gives a more precise read, but isn't required.
How Tread Depth Works
In Canada, the legal minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch (1.6mm) — most tire shops recommend replacing well before that, especially for winter driving. Every standard tire has small raised tread wear bars molded into the grooves: once the tread is flush with those bars, it's time to replace.
- Good — 6/32" or more (4.8mm+)
- Adequate — 4/32" to 6/32" (3.2mm to 4.8mm)
- Low — 2/32" to 4/32" (1.6mm to 3.2mm)
- Replace — 2/32" or less (1.6mm or less)
For a more precise check yourself, insert a Canadian quarter into the groove with the caribou's head facing down — if the tread covers the caribou's muzzle, you're above 6/32" (good); if the muzzle is visible, you're at 6/32" or below — time to start watching your tires.
Why Uneven Wear Matters
Tread that's wearing unevenly across the tire (more on one edge, or in the center vs. the edges) can be a sign of misalignment, incorrect tire pressure, or suspension issues — worth a quick check even if the overall depth still looks okay.
Just Getting Started
This tool gives a quick visual estimate from a single photo, read by an AI model — it is not a certified measurement, and it can be wrong, including mistaking worn tread for good tread. Treat it as a starting point, not a verdict: always confirm with a real tread depth gauge, the coin test yourself, or a shop before deciding your tires are fine. Whether your tread looks great or it's time for a change, browse used tires or list your own on ChromeDeal.