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Audi: How to Check Tire Tread

You won't need to make a service appointment to check the tread on your tires. Here's how to keep our Audi safe on the road year round.

By Charlie Gaston - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi Q5/Q7, A3, A4 B7, A4 B8, A6 C5, A6 C6.

As a vehicle owner, checking the amount of tread on your tires is one of those things you simply have to do, that is, if you want to be safe on the road, achieve the greatest number of mileage per tank of gas, and avoid being ticketed for having unsafe tires. While you might think you need to head down to a local Audi dealership to have your tires properly checked, the truth is you can do the check on your own using an inexpensive tire gauge (free ones are available through local gas stations). If you don't own a tire gauge or feel like driving to where you can obtain one for free, there is an easy hack you can employ using only a quarter or penny.

Audi how to check tire tread infographic

Materials Needed

  • Tire gauge
  • Quarter or penny

Step 1 – Use the coin test

  • Grab a penny or a quarter (either coin will work).
  • You won't need both coins to complete the test.
  • Turn the penny upside down so Lincoln's head is pointing down.
  • Place the penny into the groove of your tire.
  • Press down on the penny to ensure it is completely against the rubber.
  • Facing forward, check to see if you can see all of Lincoln's head.
  • If you can, then you have a tread depth of 2/32 inches (unsafe) and will need to replace your tires immediately.
  • If, on the other hand, part of Lincoln' head is covered by the rubber, then you have at least 2/32 inches of tire tread, and it may be safe to continue driving your tires as they are now.
  • If you use a quarter and see that part of Washington's head is covered by the rubber, then you have at least 4/32 inches of tread depth remaining, and are most likely safe to continue driving on your tires.
  • Harsh weather conditions, such as snow, ice and rain, can impact the safety of a tire.
The penny or quarter test for tire tread depth
Figure 1. A "good" tire has a good amount of tire depth.

Pro Tips

  • New tires typically start with around 10/32 inches of tire tread. This leaves you with approximately 8/32 inches of tire tread depth to use before your tires become unsafe.
  • The greatest indication of "worn down" tires is poor traction. However, always check for your exact tire tread depth.

Step 2 – Use a tire tread gauge

  • Press the gauge against a hard surface, such as a block of cement, to "zero out" the device.
  • Insert the pressure gauge into the tire tread groove and press down until it pushes against the rubber.
  • Press down the probe (metal part of the gauge).
  • Remove the gauge and record your measurement.
  • If your tire tread is low, purchase new tires.
  • If it is not, continue driving your Audi until new tires are needed.
Using a tire tread gauge
Figure 2. This is a tire tread gauge.

Pro Tips

  • If you do not own a tire tread gauge, you can obtain one for free at your local gas station.
  • It's highly recommended that you check multiple locations on each tire (e.g., inner, middle and outer tread).
  • As well, be sure to check each tire.
  • Your front tires will most likely wear down more quickly than your rear tires.

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