What is an indicator of a tire that has reached a minimum tread depth?

Tread wear indicators are designed specifically to help determine when a tire has reached its minimum tread depth. These indicators are small raised bars found in the grooves of the tire tread. When the tread wears down to the same level as these indicators, it signifies that the tire has reached the legal limit for safe operation and may need to be replaced.

Utilizing tread wear indicators is an effective way to maintain safety on the road, as adequate tread depth is crucial for traction, especially in wet conditions. While visual inspections can help identify tread wear, they do not provide a precise measurement like tread wear indicators. Sidewall markings and manufacturer ratings may provide information about the tire's specifications or optimal performance but are not reliable indicators of tread depth. Thus, recognizing the function of tread wear indicators is key to ensuring that tires are replaced in a timely manner to maintain vehicle safety.