VIDEO: Determining Suspension Issues From Reading Tread Depth

You can scan an engine for problems, but can you scan a tire? Andrew Markel shows how measuring tread depth can reveal several conditions of suspension and inflation. Sponsored by ATEQ.

What does TPMS have to do with tread depth? A lot actually!

When a vehicle rolls into your shop, make sure to use your TPMS tool to check the tread depth on each tire. While tread depth is usually checked to estimate the life span left on the tire or whether if it needs to be replaced or not, it can also be a warning for underlying issues.

Tread depth can tell you about a vehicle’s suspension, alignment, and most importantly the customer’s tire inflation habits. Uneven tire wear can signal to you the need to take a further look at the vehicle and potentially initiate more service opportunities.

If you notice uneven wear, check the tire pressure and make sure the TPMS sensors are functioning properly. In addition, ask the customer about how often they check the pressure of their tires and the last time they added air.