How do you check tire tread for inspection?
Place a penny head first into several tread grooves across the tire. If you always see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are shallow and worn. If this is the case, your tires need to be replaced. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth remaining.
What are the requirements for PA state inspection?
Inspection and Safety Requirements
- Rear reflectors, headlamps, functional stop lamps (brake lights)
- Adequate braking system.
- Tires in safe operating condition.
- Rear wheel shields to bar substances from being thrown from the rear wheels at tangents exceeding 22.5 degrees from the road surface.
- Rear view mirror.
- Horn.
Will a plugged tire pass inspection in PA?
Tires and Wheels In addition, your car will fail inspection if any of the tires has been fixed with a blow-up patch, has a bulge, a bump or separation. You also need tires that are designated safe for highway use. The wheels can’t be bent, cracked or welded and must have all their nuts and bolts.
What is the minimum acceptable tire tread depth?
2/32 of an inch
When is Tread Depth Too Low? The minimum legal limit is 2/32 of an inch. This doesn’t mean that tires are perfectly safe if they have 3/32 left of tread. This is simply the limit at which you won’t pass your state safety inspection.
Is the penny test for tires accurate?
For years, motorists have been told the “penny test” is an accurate indicator of whether or not you need new tires. The test is conducted by sticking a penny head down in a tire tread; if you see all of Lincoln’s head, then you should change the tires. The one with an eighth of an inch of tread stopped in 300 feet.
How long can you drive with an expired inspection sticker in PA?
If your vehicle inspection expires, you can legally drive your vehicle to an inspection station within 10 days of the expiration, only if you have booked an appointment at the station and can prove you are driving there. Otherwise, you cannot drive the vehicle.
What will fail a car inspection in PA?
Your vehicle will fail an inspection if the parking, trial, back up, turn signal, or hazard lights aren’t working. All the following must be in good condition to pass inspection: fenders, hood and hood latches, and doors. A chassis must be in perfect condition, without cracks or damage along the bumpers or floors.
Will a cracked tail light pass inspection in PA?
In most cases, a broken tail light will not pass inspection. Many state guidelines specifically mention that all lights requiring inspection must be clean, intact, unobstructed and free from cracks. The use of adhesive or tape to repair lights is not permitted.
Should I replace my tires at 6 32?
6/32″ or higher: Your tire’s tread depth is sufficient. 5/32″: If snow-covered roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires. 4/32″: If you frequently drive on wet roads, consider replacing your tires. 3/32″: It’s time to start shopping for new tires.
When should you replace tire depth?
The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires when they reach 2/32”, and many states legally require tires to be replaced at this depth. The idea of the penny test is to check whether you’ve hit the 2/32” threshold.
Should I replace 4/32 tires?
How do you measure tread depth?
The best way to measure your tread depth is to stick the probe into the shallowest groove on the tire, press the shoulders of the probe flat against the tread and then read the result. All gauges should measure both in the 1/32″ United States standard and in millimeters.
How do I know if my tires will pass inspection?
Most states also require tires to have a tread depth of at least 1/16 inch before they can pass inspection. Inspectors measure the tread depth on truck tires at about 15-inch intervals and usually measure more than one tread.
What is the depth of the tread on new tires?
New tires typically start with a tread depth of 10/32″ to 12/32″, with some off-road tires topping 15/32″. New tire tread depth is the measurement typically published by tire manufacturers, but it’s not the same as usable tire tread depth.
Will my tires pass inspection?
Most tires will not pass an inspection if your tread depth is less than 2/32. But inspection-day surprises are the last thing you feel like dealing with.