The penny test is a quick and simple way to estimate your tire tread depth and determine if it’s time to consider replacing them.
Here’s how to perform the penny test:
- Grab a penny: You’ll need a standard U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln’s portrait.
- Locate a tread groove: Identify one of the main tread grooves on your tire.
- Insert the penny: Place the penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing downwards, pointing towards the bottom of the groove.
- Observe Lincoln’s head:
– If the top of Lincoln’s head disappears into the tread, your tread depth is likely above 2/32nds of an inch and you still have sufficient tread.
– If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, the tread depth is likely at or below 2/32nds of an inch, and it’s time to replace the tire.
- Repeat in multiple spots: Since tire wear can be uneven, repeat the penny test in several different locations around the tire to get a comprehensive picture of its condition.
- 2/32nds of an inch is a minimum: While the penny test helps determine if you’re at or below the commonly cited minimum of 2/32nds of an inch, some sources recommend replacing tires at 4/32nds of an inch for better safety, especially in wet or snowy conditions.
- Uneven Wear: If you observe significant uneven wear across your tires, it could indicate underlying issues like improper inflation, misalignment, or suspension problems, which should be addressed by a professional.
- Tread Wear Indicators: Many tires also have built-in tread wear indicator bars, which are small raised bars within the grooves. When the tread wears down to be flush with these bars, it signifies that the tread depth is at 2/32nds of an inch or less, according to Goodyear Auto Service.
- Professional Inspection: For the most accurate assessment of your tire’s condition, including tread depth and potential underlying issues, a professional inspection by a qualified mechanic is recommended.
While the penny test offers a convenient and accessible way to check your tire tread, remember that it’s a quick estimate and professional inspections and more precise tools like tread depth gauges can provide a more accurate assessment.
How to do the coin test for tire tread?
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 to check your tire tread with a quarter?
Good point! Checking tire tread grab a quarter. Turn Washington’s head upside down man place in tread. When the top of Washington’s head is exposed the tread depth is getting low and it’s time for new attire.
What coin should you use to check tire tread?
The penny test is an accurate way to measure whether tire tread depth surpasses or falls short of 2/32nds of an inch, since 2/32nds of an inch is the universally standard distance between the top of Lincoln’s head and the edge of the coin (see above for an explanation of how to do the test).
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: