A tire is considered bald if it has less than how much tread?

A tire is considered bald if it has less than how much tread?

• A. 4/32
• B. 1/32
• C. 2/32
• D. 3/32

Answer: (C)

Tire tread depth determines when a tire is considered bald. In New Hampshire, the minimum safe tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. If the tread wears down to less than that, the tire is classified as bald because it can’t grip the road effectively, especially on wet surfaces where water needs to be expelled to keep traction. That’s why the threshold answer is 2/32; it marks the point at which tires are deemed unsafe and should be replaced. For context, 4/32 or 3/32 inches still leaves more tread than the bald limit, so those aren’t considered bald yet, though many drivers replace tires earlier (around 4/32) for better wet or snow performance. A quick way to check is the penny test or a tread depth gauge to ensure you’re at or above 2/32.

Tire tread depth determines when a tire is considered bald. In New Hampshire, the minimum safe tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. If the tread wears down to less than that, the tire is classified as bald because it can’t grip the road effectively, especially on wet surfaces where water needs to be expelled to keep traction. That’s why the threshold answer is 2/32; it marks the point at which tires are deemed unsafe and should be replaced.

For context, 4/32 or 3/32 inches still leaves more tread than the bald limit, so those aren’t considered bald yet, though many drivers replace tires earlier (around 4/32) for better wet or snow performance. A quick way to check is the penny test or a tread depth gauge to ensure you’re at or above 2/32.