ZEVO Web

Why Tire Tread Depth Matters

Tire tread depth is a key safety factor for both you and your renters. Worn or “bald” tires:

Reduce traction, especially in rain
Increase stopping distance
Raise the risk of hydroplaning and blowouts

To keep trips safe and consistent across the platform, tire tread depth is now required before you can list your vehicle on ZEVO.

When Tire Tread Depth Is Required

You must provide tire tread depth as part of your vehicle inspection before listing.
During the inspection process, you’ll see tire tread depth photo steps appear automatically when they are required.
If the tires don’t meet our safety expectations, your vehicle may be placed into “repair” status until the issue is resolved.

How to Measure Tire Tread Depth

Best practice:

Use a tire tread depth gauge for the most accurate measurement.

If you don’t have a gauge:

Use a penny:
- https://youtube.com/shorts/B4nYL-y1CRg?si=s5cydUUh-6EOhZCk
- Insert the penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing towards the tire.
- If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is likely too low and the tire should be replaced.

Take clear, close-up photos of the tread where requested in the inspection flow.

What to Do If Your Tread Is Low

If you notice that your tire tread is low:

Replace the low or bald tires as soon as possible.
Redo your vehicle inspection with updated photos of the new tires.

For many Teslas, the rear tires wear out faster due to torque and driving characteristics. If you see a big difference between the front and rear tires:

Consider getting a tire rotation.
We suggest rotating your tires at least every 8,000 miles.

After Your Inspection

Once you complete your inspection:

If everything looks good, you’re ready to list your vehicle.
If your vehicle was in “repair” status, a ZEVO agent will review your inspection and:
- Communicate with you if more work is needed, or
- Approve the vehicle and move it back to the “disabled” state, where you can choose to list it again.

ZEVO Tire Safety Review & Repair Holds

We review all tires submitted through inspections. If we determine that one or more tires are too bald to be driven safely, we reserve the right to:

Place the vehicle into “repair” status until the tires are fixed and re-inspected.
If there is an active renter, we may need to end that booking unless you work quickly with your renter to resolve the tire issue (e.g., replace the tire during the trip).

Our goal is not to penalize hosts, but to ensure every renter is driving a safe, roadworthy vehicle.