What is the minimum tread depth required on steering tires?

The minimum tread depth required on steering tires for commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, is indeed 4/32 of an inch. This standard is crucial for ensuring adequate traction, handling, and overall safety while driving, particularly when steering is involved. Steering tires have the critical role of providing control and stability to the vehicle, especially during maneuvers and in adverse weather conditions. A tread depth of 4/32 of an inch ensures that the tires can sufficiently channel water and maintain grip on the road, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and improving the vehicle's response to steering inputs.

Maintaining this tread depth is not only a matter of safety but also a regulatory requirement; driving with insufficient tread depth can lead to penalties during inspections, and more importantly, it can severely compromise the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, particularly in emergency situations.