It is called a "tread depth measurement"
There is a special tool for this or you can use a caliper set that will do depth measurement or a "Machinist rule"
A very easy test is to take a Lincoln penny and insert it between the treads head down. If you can see the top of lincoln's head your tires need replacing. This means the tread is worn to below 2/32" which is the danger level. The tires have very little grip and are prone to hydroplaning when worn this much.
The three important tire checks to make are proper inflation(pressure), adequate tread(tread depth), and normal wear(wear and tear).
The test for checking tire tread depth is commonly referred to as the "penny test." To perform this test, insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln's head facing down; if you can see the top of his head, the tread is too worn and the tire needs to be replaced. Other methods include using a tread depth gauge or the more advanced "quarter test," where you use a quarter instead of a penny for deeper tread measurements.
Proper and adequate tread on vehicle tires can help a person by keeping his car on the road,steering correctly and able to stop quickly if needed.
It is an indicator of tire tread wear.
you could put a lincoln penny in the tread groove, with lincoln head facing up, if you could see all of the top of lincoln's head its time to replace the tire.
When driving in cold weather, your tire tread should have sufficient depth to provide adequate traction on icy or snowy surfaces. It's recommended that tire tread depth be at least 4/32 of an inch for winter driving conditions. Additionally, using winter tires with specialized tread patterns can enhance grip and improve safety in cold, slippery conditions. Regularly checking tire pressure is also crucial, as cold temperatures can cause pressure to drop.
Always check for visable damage to the tire itself. If there is no visible damage, the easiest way to check tire wear is the penny test. Place a penny "head down" into the groove of a tire, If you can see the top of it's head, your tires need replace, legally. However, you should replace your tire when the tread is reduced below 4/32 of a inch. The easiest way to measure this is actually to us the "Quarter test". Do this test the same as the penny test on with a quarter, for a more accurate reading or check your tires "wear bars" which are bars within your tread that are below the tread and are the minimum safe depth for your tire.
You should be aware of air pressure, tread wear, and alignment. Also, check the lug nuts for tightness.
If you mean tire tread depth, the minimum is 1.6mm.
In California, the legal minimum tread depth for tires is 1/32 of an inch. However, it is recommended to replace tires when they reach 2/32 of an inch for better safety, particularly in wet conditions. To check tread depth, drivers can use the penny test or a tread depth gauge. Regularly inspecting tire tread is essential for vehicle safety and performance.
The legal minimum tire tread depth for a Light Goods Vehicle (LGV) in the UK is 1.6 millimeters across the central three-quarters of the tire's width and around its entire circumference. This requirement is enforced to ensure adequate grip and safety on the road. It's advisable for drivers to regularly check their tire tread depth, as deeper treads generally provide better performance and safety, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Tire spec in PA is 2/32 of an inch of minimum tread