The penny test is a popular and straightforward method to estimate your tire tread depth.
Here’s how to perform the penny test:
- Grab a penny: Use a standard U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln’s portrait.
- Insert the penny: Place the penny into a tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing downwards and towards you.
- Examine the result: If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is likely less than 2/32 of an inch, suggesting it’s time to consider replacing your tires. If the tread covers part or all of Lincoln’s head, your tires have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining.
- Repeat the test: Check multiple spots on each tire due to potential uneven wear.
- Seeing all of Lincoln’s head: Tire tread is likely below safe levels (less than 2/32 of an inch), indicating a need for replacement.
- Lincoln’s head is partially visible: Tires still have some life, but replacement should be planned [according to Discount Tire].
- Lincoln’s head is completely covered: Tires have adequate tread depth.
Regularly checking tire tread is important for safety and performance. Adequate tread improves traction and control, especially in poor weather, reduces stopping distances, and helps prevent hydroplaning by channeling water away from the tire. Additionally, many areas have minimum tread depth laws.
While the penny test is quick, a dedicated tread depth gauge offers more precise measurements. Many tire shops also provide free tire inspections.
How to tell if tire tread is good with a coin?
Great question! Down then stick your penny into multiple points of the tread across your tire to check for wear. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s. Head it’s time to get your tires checked by a professional.
How accurate is the penny test for tire tread?
The test involves placing a penny into a tread groove and checking whether Lincoln’s head is visible. How accurate is the penny test for tire tread depth? The penny test provides a reliable, quick estimate of tread depth, though it is not as precise as professional measurements.
Can I use a quarter to check tire tread?
Water if it’s wet. Outside. So the distance between George Washington’s head and the edge of a quarter happens to be about 432 of an inch. You take George insert his head downward into the groove.
How to check tire tread with 25 cents?
Get a Canadian Quarter: Use a standard Canadian quarter featuring a caribou on one side.
Insert the Quarter: Place the quarter into the tread groove of your tire with the caribou’s head facing down.
Evaluate the Tread Depth: