AI Tire Tread Assistant:
Visual Estimator for Tire Condition
An AI-powered reference tool to help you estimate tread depth and wear. Not a professional diagnosis.
Inspection Guide
Try with an example (drag to upload area)
Insert Coin
Use a Penny or Quarter head-down in the tread.
Surface Scan
Photo any scratches, cracks, or bulges clearly.
Front & Side
AI needs both tread face and profile views.
Optional: DOT Code
Find the 4-digit text to check age.
Photos are encrypted and used for AI analysis only.
Disclaimer: AI results are for preliminary reference only. This tool is NOT a substitute for professional mechanical inspection. Always consult a certified technician for road safety decisions.
Try with an example (drag to upload area)
Check tire tread in seconds
using advanced visual analysis algorithms
Drag & drop a tire photo above to get started for free
Tire Check Use Cases
Regularly check your tire tread to ensure safety for you and your family. Detect wear early before it becomes a hazard.
Simply take a photo of your tire to get an instant health assessment.
Get Your AI Visual Reference
Choose an access plan for our AI image estimation tool.
*Note: This is an auxiliary reference tool, not a certified safety inspection.
- 4 tire checks per month
- 16 tire checks per month
- Priority processing
- 300 tire checks per year
- Highest priority
All plans include:
Tire Check FAQ
Is this tool a substitute for professional inspection?
No. This AI tool is an auxiliary reference aid designed for quick visual estimation. It cannot detect internal structural damage, alignment issues, or complex wear patterns. Always consult a professional mechanic for a definitive safety certification.
How accurate is checking tire tread with a phone photo?
Our AI technology analyzes visual patterns to provide a preliminary estimate. Results are for reference only and can be affected by lighting or angles. We strongly recommend verifying any result—whether Safe or Critical—with a physical tread depth gauge.
How to check tire tread depth?
You can check tire tread depth using a specialized tire tread depth gauge, a penny (the penny test), or by using our AI-powered photo analysis tool for a quick estimation. Proper tread depth is essential for safety and traction.
What is the minimum legal tire tread depth?
In most places, the legal minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch (approximately 1.6mm). However, it is recommended to replace tires before they reach this limit, often around 4/32 inch for better safety in wet conditions.
How does the penny test for tire tread work?
To perform the penny test, insert a penny into your tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it's time to replace your tires.
Why is tire tread depth important?
Tire tread is designed to channel water away from the tire to maintain contact with the road. Worn tread reduces traction, increases stopping distances, and significantly increases the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads.
When should I replace my tires?
You should replace your tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32 inch, or if you notice uneven wear patterns, cracks in the sidewall, bulges, or if the tires are more than 6-10 years old regardless of tread depth.
Can I check tire pressure with this tool?
No, this tool is designed to visually estimate tire tread wear from photos. It cannot measure air pressure. Tire pressure must be checked using a dedicated pressure gauge.
What should I do if the AI result seems wrong?
AI analysis is an estimation based on the image provided. Glare, shadows, or dirt can affect accuracy. If the result contradicts your visual inspection or physical measurement, always trust the physical measurement/professional opinion over the AI result.
What happens if the AI cannot read my photo?
If our system detects that an image is too blurry, dark, or not a tire, it will return an 'Invalid Image' status. This attempts will NOT count towards your subscription usage limit. Please retake the photo in better lighting.
Do you store my photos?
We process images to generate the analysis report. We value your privacy and handle all data in strict accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. You retain ownership of your original images.
What is a safe tire tread depth?
New tires typically have 10/32 to 12/32 inch of tread. A depth of 6/32 inch or more is considered good. Below 4/32 inch, wet traction is significantly reduced, and at 2/32 inch, the tire is legally worn out.
Looking for the best
tire check tool?
Visual Tread Estimation
Visually estimate tire tread depth and wear patterns from any image for free using AI-powered analysis. Results are for preliminary reference only and do not replace professional inspection.
Start Visual Check