You can easily check your tire tread depth using a common coin, the penny test . This quick and straightforward method helps determine if your tires are worn below the recommended safety thresholds.
Here’s how to perform the penny test:
- Obtain a penny.
- Locate a tread groove on your tire.
- Insert the penny into the groove with President Lincoln’s head facing downwards.
- Examine the result:
– If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is below 2/32nds of an inch and you should consider replacing your tires. Many states consider this the minimum legal limit.
– If Lincoln’s head is covered, your tread depth is above 2/32nds of an inch and you likely have enough tread for safe driving.
While the penny test checks the 2/32nds mark, you might want to replace your tires even before reaching this depth for enhanced safety, especially in wet or snowy conditions. In these cases, you can also perform the quarter test:
- Insert a quarter into the tread groove with George Washington’s head facing downwards.
- If you can see the top of Washington’s head, your tread has worn below 4/32nds of an inch. At this point, your tires may experience a serious loss in stopping power and hydroplaning resistance, and replacement is highly recommended.
Note: Always remember to check multiple spots on each tire as wear can be uneven. If you are ever in doubt about the condition of your tires, it’s always best to consult with a qualified mechanic or tire specialist.
How to do the quarter test on tires?
Thanks for asking. Head is 432. So what you want to do is take the quarter. Insert it into the tread of the tire. Head down. And see where your tread hits now you can see that these tires have pretty good tread.
What is the 25 cent tire test?
Good point! Insert a 25 cent piece into the tire’s grooves with the nose of the caribou facing downward. If the caribou’s nose isn’t visible, it means the depth is superior to 6/32 of an inch. If you can see the nose, it means it’s time to change your tires. You can also visit one of our Centre Auto Point S locations.
How to do the penny test on your tires?
Great question! So I wanted to see are my co-workers. All good to go. So come on over here i did a little bit of snooping. And you can see on this tire right here Lincoln’s head oh it’s exposed.
What coin to use to check tires?
They’re considered unsafe to use in some conditions to easily check if your tread depth is 232. You can put a penny with Lincoln’s. Head down into the tread.