What’s the inspection limit on tire tread depth ???
 

My car needs its State Inspection by the end of this month and I’m rolling around on severely worn rubber.
I have maybe 1/8” of tread. The wear bars ARE visible, but it’s not quite down to them.

I want to wait until summer to buy new rubber because I run all winter with my snows on.
Why spend the money now and have them sit all winter?

I’m just trying to see if I should put my snows on before going over there for the inspection to be sure it passes.
I get free lifetime State Inspections at my Acura dealer, but I don’t think they will cover a second one if it fails because of the tires.

Any idea what the law is or is it different state to state?

Shawn S

2/32" seems to ring a bell...

Don't quote me on that...

2/32 = 1/16.

1/16 is the least in PA.

1/16 WOW, that’s pretty LOW.
I was actually thinking it was 3/32 which is just a hair UNDER 1/8 inch.
I don’t know why they would list it as 2/32 instead of 1/16.

I think this is the case in MA/NH, as well. :scratch:

Perhaps they want to see if everyone can remember fraction simplification from grade school?

:dunno:


:D

:D :D

So the cats inspecting don't have to convert? To keep measurements uniform? :shakehd:

I think typically 3/32nds is the limit .

Jens

The old rule of thumb was the old penny test. Stick a penny between the tread and if any part of the rim of the edge was visable you were SOL. :P

Of course, what's legal and what's really safe depending on conditions (car weight, weather, driving style, etc) you may want to change sooner.

Ruf

You are correct sir, 3/32 it is

2/32 in texas,, this just happens to be at the wear bars on most tires:D

just put on the snows to be safe

do u also have to take tint off to pass??

Tint is not part of the inspection here in PA, although it is illegal:rolleyes:

no front plates or inspections here

one good thing about MI, and we can get 94 octane..

Yea, who knows…..I may have the snows on by then anyway.
Might be better because I don’t have to worry about them scratching the BLINGERS.

As for tint….NO.
Pa inspection stations aren’t required to check for illegal tint anymore.
Now it’s totally up to the cops to check that.

Funny story……
Back in the 90’s the inspection DID require them to check the tint.
I always went to Lehigh Valley Acura for my free inspection on my Legend Coupe.
They checked all the important stuff like brakes & lights, but then failed the car because of my tint.
I would then take the inspection paperwork to my “hook-up” buddy and he would put a sticker on the car.
I was quite surprised when the Acura dealer started putting a sticker on there.
Then they explained to me that they don’t check that anymore.

Shawn S

YUP

what happens if you dont get inspections??

If you get pulled over they can tow the car.

damn that sucks

Like Shawn said above, but they also fine you 100 dollars.

shawn, you cannot have less than 2/32nds of thread on adjacent threads, like if just your outside tread is worn down, but the rest is ok, technically they would pass

I read where it was 4/64ths not 2/32nds. :D

How bout we all agree that it's 1/16"

Do the penny test...take a penny and put it in the tread so Lincoln's head is facing down. If you can see the top of his head, it's gonna fail.

I get 94 octane all the time from Sunoco.

scrape the sticker and if you can believe this, the fine is much less for no sticker, than an expired one

tire tread
 

For Texas, Google "vehicle inspection specifications Texas" where the full specs are given including at least 2/32 for tires. Probably can google other states as well.