Tire Wear Chart: Common Tire Wear Patterns and What They Mean

A properly inflated tire with good tread is a safer tire. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), worn-out tires are three times more likely to be involved in a crash than tires with sufficient tread depth.¹ And, unfortunately, there are nearly 11,000 tire-related crashes each year.² Keeping a close eye on your tires helps you stay safer and can also reveal alignment or suspension issues early.

Quick tip: If you notice uneven tread wear, don’t just assume you need new tires. A tire wear chart can help you spot patterns that may point to inflation, balance, brake or suspension problems.

Tire wear chart

Use this tire wear chart to compare common tread patterns, possible causes and signs that your vehicle may need maintenance or inspection.

Center wear

Edge wear

Toe wear

Tire wear cupping

Patch wear

Flat spots

Uneven tire wear can affect traction, steering response and overall handling. In some cases, unusual tread patterns may also point to larger vehicle issues, such as alignment, suspension, balance or brake problems.

How to check tread depth and tire tread wear indicators

Along with checking tire wear patterns, it’s also important to monitor tread depth to make sure your tires still have enough traction for safe driving conditions. Two quick ways to check your tires:

The penny test: Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you.⁵ If you can see his entire head, it may be time to shop for new tires.

Tread wear indicators: Look for the tire tread wear indicator, which is a built-in raised bar inside the tread grooves. When the tread wears down close to that level, it may be time to replace the tire.

If you’ve searched for a tread depth tire chart or tire depth chart, the goal is usually the same: to understand whether your tires still have enough tread for safe driving in dry and wet conditions.

How often do my tires need attention?

Most tire maintenance is fairly simple and won’t take much time. The key is consistency. Here are six things to do over the lifespan of your tires to help keep them in good shape.

Do this every month:

Check and refill your tires to the proper inflation at least once a month.⁴ If you’re not sure how much air your tires need, most new cars have a sticker inside the driver’s side door, or you can check the owner’s manual. And while most new cars have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), many systems only warn you when pressure drops well below the recommended level.⁴

Inspect your tire tread depth every month to see whether replacement may be needed. If you take your car in for regular maintenance, ask the shop to check your tread depth too.

Do this about twice per year (or every 6,000 to 8,000 miles you drive):

Rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or based on your manufacturer’s recommendation.⁶ This helps your tires wear evenly, which extends their life and performance.

Do this about once per year:

In general, you should get an alignment about once per year.⁷ An alignment is an adjustment to your suspension that helps keep your car from veering from side to side and can support a smoother ride. If you hit a pothole or object that jars your vehicle, you may want to have the alignment checked sooner.

Do this every three to four years (or every 60,000 miles you drive):

According to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, most new tires on the market will last about 60,000 miles.⁸ Reaching that mileage assumes regular maintenance and attention to tire care. Some tire manufacturers may offer a higher or lower warranty, depending on the type of tire. Check with your manufacturer to be sure.

Absolutely do this every 10 years:

After you’ve had your tires for six years, have them professionally inspected every year and replace them after 10 years, no matter how much tread they have left.⁸ If you’re not sure how old your tires are, you’ll find a code on the sidewall that tells you the week and year the tire was manufactured.⁹

Tires are just one component of all-around car safety

Keeping your car safe on the road requires paying attention to more than just your tires. Headlights, motor oil, brakes, windshield wipers and other parts all play a role in safe driving. Be sure to check your vehicle regularly and bring it to a licensed mechanic if something seems off.

Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.

This inclusion of non-Amica companies, products, services or statement herein (“Third-Party Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Amica Insurance. Policies, views, opinions or positions of Third-Party Content expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies, views, opinions or positions of Amica Insurance. Amica Insurance makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy and reliability of Third-Party Content.

This content may contain helpful tips, explanation and advice. Your use of this information is voluntary and may not be effective in every circumstance. Amica encourages you to use good judgment and put safety first.

For more information on our editorial process and content standards, take a look at our editorial guidelines.

AMIC-19-051228