Environmental pollution is increasing day by day. Fortunately, so do the people’s awareness. Therefore, using secondhand or reused items is a solution many people implement to solve the problem.
In particular, for drivers and cars owners, using used tires is considered a smart and optimal choice.
Using used ones not only contributes to reducing waste but also saves money with good and stable performance.
Therefore, this article will focus on answering the problems of used tyres, specifically whether 7 32 tread good or bad, several ways to check them, and resolutions for common questions. Now, let’s start it!
Is 7/32 Tire Tread Good Or Bad?
Before answering this demanding question, we should briefly look at the 7/32 tyre definition.
What Does 7/32 Mean?
Overview
Tread depth is the distance between the top rubber and the deepest groove of the tires. During use, the depth is shortened because of worn out. As a result, it’s a method to identify the usability of tires.
A new tire usually has 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch of tread. In some higher products, they may have 12/32. Basically, the term 7/32 tires include two meanings. The first is that it’s a used tyre.
The other indicates the new level or status of the tires. In this case, tire tread depth 7 32 compared to 10/32, an original tread depth, is quite good and comparative.
The Percentage & Other Specs
We would like to mention the depth in other specifications for easier understanding. We can take these specs as a reference to check the depth.
| Fraction(/32″) | Inch | Mm (millimeter) |
| 1/32″ | 0.031 | 0.79 |
| 2/32″ | 0.063 | 1.59 |
| 3/32″ | 0.094 | 2.38 |
| 4/32″ | 0.125 | 3.18 |
| 5/32″ | 0.156 | 3.97 |
| 6/32″ | 0.188 | 4.76 |
| 7/32″ | 0.219 | 5.56 |
| 8/32″ | 0.250 | 6.35 |
| 9/32″ | 0.281 | 7.14 |
| 10/32″ | 0.313 | 7.94 |
| 11/32″ | 0.344 | 8.73 |
| 12/32″ | 0.375 | 9.53 |
Are 7/32 Tires Tread Good Or Bad?
Before judging whether the tire is good or bad, there are many aspects to consider before concluding. However, comparing the 7/32 (5.56 mm) used tire with the new 10/32 (7.94 mm), we see that it’s not far different.
When the rate comes to 2/32″, it’s time to change another one as this is the legal minimum of depth. So, is 7/32 good tire tread?
Yes! Compared to the new one, we can save lots of money. In other words, comparatively efficient performance and pretty high usability with an affordable price may help us answer the question 7/32 tread good or bad.
How To Extend The Life Of Used Tires 7/32?
Like other types, we need to avoid sharp movements, sudden acceleration, and high speeds, especially when loaded heavily, to make the tyres durable and work longer.
In those cases, the wheels have to work harder, and the worn-out progress takes place faster.
Therefore, it’s necessary to get out of some bad habits while driving to extend the tread life of the 7/32.
- Drive into a corner: Try to lower the cut or make it softly when driving into a corner. In addition, do not corner at high speeds as it’s dangerous for drivers and the vehicles’ rubber wears faster!
- Drive on elevations at high speeds: Although going upraise may need higher power and speed, we should notice the speeds. If keeping the same speeds as driving on stable highways, the tire life will be more damaged.
- Brake suddenly: If it’s not an emergency, try to break moderately and controllably. Sudden and hard braking may put us in a dangerous situation and shorten our used tires’ lives.
- Drive through bumps or potholes: These road failures may damage our used tyres in many ways. In some cases, they can make the surface crack.
Ways To Check Tires Depth
Penny Test
Look at how much of Lincoln’s head is hidden in a groove if you put a coin in it sideways. If you can see everything, the tested tire is already worn out, maybe with a depth of 2/32″.
In the case of a small portion of his head still under the groove, we may have a 4/32″ left. If the tread of the tire covers the top of it, we have 6/32″ usable or more.
Treadwear Indicator Bars
These wear bars that tire manufacturers implemented (typically 6) are found in the grooves of most tires, indicating that the minimum allowable depth is 2/32″.
There are tire types with different bar grades, such as 6/32″, 4/32″, and 2/32″. When a bar appears, the tire has reached a specified depth.
Tread Depth Gauge
This test is quite easy and supported by a gauge. Place the pin of the gauge in a groove and press it against the tread. We will receive an exact reading of the depth of our used tires in both inches and millimeters.
Ruler
We may also use a ruler to determine the precise amount of tread left by using the 1/16″ scale. It’s the same as 2/32″ but easier to use for this sort of measurement.
Notice
When using any of these above methods, we need to measure tread depth not only on all tires but also in different grooves. There may be some uneven wear.
For example, one groove may have enough tire to keep us safe while another is bald.
FAQs
Can I Use 7 32 Tire In Wet Conditions?
Are 7/32 tires good enough for snow-covered roads? We do believe that!
In general, they are still quality and efficient. The tread depth can allow snow and water to pass through, keeping the grip while driving.
What Used Tires Tread Depth Gauge Mean?
The following are the different levels of treadwear:
- Equal or over 7/32″ is good and efficient.
- 6/32″ is pretty good. We don’t need to put much attention to this level.
- 5/32″ is still fine in most circumstances, but it may begin to lose grip on wet roads.
- 4-3/32″ is the depth at which we should consider purchasing a new set of tires.
- 2/32″ is the level mentioned as the legal minimum tread depth. At this state, our tires lose their traction, become bald, and are unsafe to use.
What Is Considered Bad Tire?
There are many signs indicating the tire is unqualified or bad. As we’re looking for a secondhand type of tire, some basic following signs may help us recognize and avoid a bad one.
- Tread depth: as our post mentioned, the usable secondhand tyres will have a level of depth equal to or more than 6/32″. In the case that its’ depth is less than 4-3/32″. We don’t think it’s a good choice.
- Treadwear indicator bar: the more invisible these bars are, the newer the tire is. When these indicators become flat, it’s a signal for replacing the new tyres. So, if we examine a used tire, don’t forget this detail.
- Sidewalls & surface: the form and structure of sidewalls and surfaces are important in tire performance. Do not choose that tire if there are any cracks, bulges, or blisters on them, as we’ll waste our money on the coming-to-die tire!
Conclusion
In conclusion, we believe that using used tires is a wise and optimal choice. If we equip ourselves with knowledge and observations, we’ll find choosing a nice used tire uncomplicated.
Besides, some persuasive grounds are saving money, good dry and wet surface, reduced waste, etc.
Although the question “is 7 32 tread good or bad?” is commonly discussed so far, based on our experiences and references, 7/32 tires are quite good to try!
References