Tire Tread Depth: When It’s Time to Replace Your Tires

Ensure safe driving by checking tire tread depth regularly. Use the coin test: insert a toonie into the tread groove; if the tread doesn’t reach the bear's paws, it's time for a replacement. Maintain tread depth above 4 mm to prevent traction loss in wet and winter conditions. Replace tires if tread is uneven, near 4 mm, over 6 years old, or if wear bars show. Choose quality tires for secure travels.

Tires can look fine and still be unsafe.Tread depth plays a major role in braking, traction, and control—especially in rain and winter conditions.

Waiting too long to replace worn tires increases stopping distance and the risk of losing control.

How Much Tread Is Enough?

• New tires: ~10–12 mm

• Safe range: 6–8 mm

• Caution zone: 4 mm

• Legal minimum (Canada): ~1.6 mm

Below 4 mm, wet and winter performance drops sharply—even if the tire still looks usable.

The Coin Test (Quick Check)

Insert a toonie into the tread groove:

• If the tread doesn’t reach the bear’s paws, it’s time to think about replacement.

⚠️ The coin test is only a rough guide. It won’t show uneven wear or aging rubber.

Replace Your Tires If:

• Tread depth is near or below 4 mm

• Wear bars are visible

• Tread is uneven

• Tires are 6+ years old, even if tread looks good

Old or worn tires often fail without warning.

Don’t Guess—Replace at the Right Time

If your tires are losing grip or nearing their wear limit, replacing them early is safer—and often cheaper—than waiting for a problem.

Buy Tires and Get Them Installed Without Leaving Home

With Snap!Tire, you can:

• Buy quality tires directly

• Get professional mobile installation

• Skip shop lineups and seasonal delays

• Know your tires are installed and torqued properly

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Replace your tires before they become a risk.

Snap!Tire — Your living room is the best waiting room.