How to Check Tire Tread Depth: Easy Guide

How to Check Tire Tread Depth
How to Check Tire Tread Depth

How to Check Tire Tread Depth: A Case Study in a Mercedes-Benz

Tires are one of the most critical yet overlooked safety components on any vehicle. For Mercedes-Benz owners, ensuring proper tire tread depth is essential for grip, braking, fuel efficiency, and overall road safety.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to check tire tread depth step by step, highlight a real case study on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213), and share tips about tire types, wear indicators, and pressure checks.

For a full overview of maintenance schedules, including tires, oil, and transmission care, see our Mercedes Maintenance and Service Guide.

How to Check Tire Tread Depth
How to Check Tire Tread Depth

Why Tread Depth Matters

  • – Grip & Handling → Deep grooves disperse water, reducing risk of skidding.
  • – Hydroplaning Prevention → Worn tires cannot push water aside effectively.
  • – Shorter Braking Distances → Adequate tread = safer stops.
  • – Legal Requirement → Most regions require ≥1.6 mm (2/32 in) tread.
  • – Even Wear Check → Uneven wear may point to alignment or suspension issues.

Tools to Measure Tread Depth

1. Tread Depth Gauge

  • Most accurate tool (manual or digital).
  • Shows depth in mm or 32nds of an inch.
How to Check Tire Tread Depth
How to Check Tire Tread Depth

2. Tread Wear Indicator Bars

  • Built into tire grooves.
  • When tread is flush with bars → replacement needed.

    Best practice: Use a gauge for precision, confirm with indicator bars.

    Case Study: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213)

    A customer visited our workshop with their Mercedes E-Class W213 for routine maintenance. Part of the service included checking tire tread depth.

    • – Front tires: ~4.5 mm (safe but wearing).
    • – Rear tires: ~3.0 mm (above legal minimum, but close to replacement).
    • – Indicator bars: Nearly flush at the rear → time to plan new tires.

    This confirmed both gauge readings and visual checks, ensuring accurate diagnosis.

    Step‑by‑Step Guide to Measure Tire Tread Depth

    Method 1: Using a Tread Depth Gauge

    Tools Needed:

    Tread depth gauge (manual or digital)

    How to Check Tire Tread Depth
    How to Check Tire Tread Depth

    Steps:

    1. 1. Park on level ground → engage parking brake.
    2. 2. Inspect tires → check for cracks, bulges, embedded objects.
    3. 3. Clean grooves → remove stones, dirt, and mud.
    4. 4. Insert gauge → probe into main groove, base flush with tread.
    How to Check Tire Tread Depth
    How to Check Tire Tread Depth

    5. Read result → repeat at multiple points and across tire width.

    How to Check Tire Tread Depth
    How to Check Tire Tread Depth
    How to Check Tire Tread Depth
    How to Check Tire Tread Depth
    How to Check Tire Tread Depth
    How to Check Tire Tread Depth

    For our customer’s E‑Class, the front tires measured an average of 4.5mm, while the rears were around 3.0mm above the legal minimum but showing signs of wear.

    Understanding Tread Wear Indicator Bars

    • Quick way to spot when replacements are needed.
    • Located in main grooves of all modern tires.
    • Become visible when tread wears to the legal minimum.

    Symptom – Cause – Fix Table

    SymptomCauseFix
    Uneven tread wearMisalignment / suspension issueWheel alignment & suspension check
    Tread flush with wear barsTire at legal minimumReplace tire immediately
    Inner edge worn fasterUnder-inflation / camber issueInflate properly, check suspension
    Outer edge worn fasterOver-inflation or aggressive corneringAdjust pressure, inspect steering

    Tire Types for Mercedes-Benz

    • – Summer Tires → Max grip in warm conditions, shorter lifespan.
    • – All-Season Tires → Balanced performance, longer life.
    • – Winter Tires → Softer rubber + deep grooves for ice/snow.
    • – Performance Tires (AMG models) → Exceptional handling, faster wear.

    Always match OEM specifications listed in your owner’s manual or door sticker.

    Don’t Forget Tire Pressure

    • Check monthly and before long trips.
    • Use a digital/analog gauge when tires are cold.
    • Compare with factory specs (usually on driver’s door sticker).

    Example (E-Class W213): 36 PSI front, 39 PSI rear.

    • – Monthly
    • – Before long journeys
    • – At each oil change or service

    Regular checks also help spot alignment or suspension problems early.

    Summary Table

    StepAction
    1Park on level ground & clean tread
    2Use tread depth gauge or indicator bars
    3Measure at multiple points
    4Compare results to legal limit (≥1.6 mm)
    5Adjust tire pressure to spec

    FAQs

    Q: What is the minimum legal tread depth for Mercedes tires?
    In most regions: 1.6 mm (2/32 in). Replacements are recommended at 3 mm for safety.

    Q: Can I drive with uneven tread depth?
    It’s unsafe. Uneven wear indicates alignment or suspension issues and should be corrected.

    Q: How often should I rotate tires on a Mercedes?
    Every 6,000–8,000 miles, or at each Service A/B interval, to promote even wear.

    Q: Do performance AMG tires wear faster?
    Yes, AMG performance tires offer maximum grip but shorter lifespan. Regular monitoring is essential.

    Service A in Mercedes C300: Checklist, Cost & Reset Guide

    Service B on Mercedes E-Class: Complete Checklist & Cost Guide

    Mercedes 9G-Tronic Oil Change Guide: Cost & Interval

    Service for Mercedes Benz: A & B Maintenance Guide

    Conclusion

    Checking tire tread depth on your Mercedes-Benz is a simple but powerful safety practice. Using a tread depth gauge and monitoring wear indicators can prevent accidents, reduce costs, and improve driving confidence.

    In our case study with the Mercedes E-Class W213, the inspection showed it was time for new rear tires giving the owner peace of mind and a safer drive.

    Author Bio

    Written by Mercedes Expert
    With years of hands-on experience diagnosing and repairing Mercedes-Benz systems, he brings technical depth and practical case studies to help car owners, technicians, and enthusiasts troubleshoot complex automotive issues. His work focuses on clear repair guides, OEM-level procedures, and knowledge-sharing to empower both professionals and drivers.
    Last update: October 2025