What tread depth indicates that a tire has failed?

A tire is considered to have failed when its tread depth falls below 2/32 inch. Tread depth is crucial for maintaining traction, especially in wet conditions, as it allows water to channel away from the tire's surface. When the tread is worn down to this level, the tire's ability to grip the road significantly decreases, increasing the risk of hydroplaning and reducing overall handling and braking performance.

Understanding why the threshold is set at less than 2/32 inch is important for safety. At this depth, the tire is nearing the end of its useful life, and replacing the tire is essential to ensuring optimal performance and safety on the road. Tread depths greater than 2/32 inch still retain some level of traction but may not be sufficient under adverse weather conditions. Hence, monitoring tire tread depth is a vital aspect of vehicle maintenance and safety inspection.