When was the last time you checked your tire tread? If you’re like most drivers, it’s probably been a while — or maybe never. But as the seasons change and summer road trips loom, May is the perfect time to make tire safety a priority. Worn or bald tires can reduce your vehicle’s ability to stop, turn, and handle rain-slick roads. That’s why we’re breaking down a simple way to check your tread and explaining why spring is an ideal time for a tire inspection. 🚗 Why Tire Tread Matters Tread depth is the measurement of the grooves in your tire. These grooves help: Channel water away to prevent hydroplaning Maintain traction on wet or uneven roads Improve stopping distance and overall handling The more worn the tread, the less control you have — especially in rainy conditions or during sudden stops. Pro tip: Tires with low tread are especially dangerous during spring rainstorms and hot summer road conditions. 🪙 The Penny Test: A Quick DIY Check One of the easiest ways to check your tire tread is the classic Penny Test. Here's how to do it: Take a U.S. penny and hold it with Lincoln’s head facing down. Insert it into the tread groove of your tire. Look closely: If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low (less than 2/32 of an inch). If part of Lincoln’s head is covered, your tread is still within a safe range. 📏 Bonus Tip: For even better accuracy, you can use a tread depth gauge, available at most auto parts stores. 🧰 Check All Four Tires — And Not Just the Middle Tires don’t always wear evenly. Be sure to: Check inner and outer edges of each tire Inspect all four tires, not just one Look for cracks, bulges, or bald spots while you’re at it If you notice uneven wear, it could signal the need for a tire rotation, alignment, or suspension check. 🌸 Why May Is the Right Time May is the gateway to summer, which means: More road trips (end of school trips, vacations, weekend getaways) Hotter pavement that can stress worn tires Rainy spring weather that demands strong tread for traction Getting ahead of tire issues now ensures you’ll be safe and ready for whatever the summer throws your way. 🛠️ Let the Experts Help Not sure how your tires are doing? Our service team at Schlossmann Subaru City of Milwaukee can: Perform a tire inspection Check air pressure and tread depth Rotate or replace tires if needed Help you choose the right tires for your driving habits and budget 🚙 Stay Safe and Roll into Summer with Confidence Your tires are your first line of defense on the road — don’t let worn tread cut your adventures short. Take five minutes to do the penny test, or better yet, let our technicians handle it for you. 👉 Schedule your tire inspection or service appointment today