What is the purpose of a tire tread gauge?

The purpose of a tire tread gauge is to check the depth of tire treads for safe traction. Tread depth is a critical factor in ensuring that tires can effectively grip the road, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Adequate tread depth allows for better water drainage and prevents hydroplaning, which is when a vehicle loses traction on wet surfaces. Using a tread gauge, drivers can measure the remaining depth of the tread and thus assess whether their tires are still safe for driving. If the tread is worn down too much, it can lead to reduced performance and increase the risk of accidents, making regular checks crucial for vehicle safety.

The other options focus on different aspects of tire maintenance but do not address the specific function of a tread gauge. Inflating tires, measuring fuel efficiency, and assessing tire age and quality are important, yet they serve distinct purposes that do not involve measuring tread depth specifically.