The penny test is a quick and easy way to estimate your tire tread depth. It helps determine if your tires have at least the minimum legal tread depth of 2/32nds of an inch.
Here’s how to perform the Penny Test:
- Grab a penny: Make sure you have a standard US penny with Lincoln’s head.
- Find a shallowest tread groove: Locate the area on your tire that appears to have the least tread depth.
- Insert the penny: Place the penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down and towards you.
- Examine the results:
– If you can see all of Lincoln’s head: Your tread depth is likely 2/32nds of an inch or less, meaning your tires are worn out and should be replaced immediately.
– If Lincoln’s head is partially covered by the tread: You likely have at least 2/32nds of an inch of tread remaining, and your tires may still be safe to drive on.
- Check multiple spots: Inspect several locations on each tire to get an accurate overall picture of its condition, as wear can be uneven. If any part fails the penny test, the entire tire should be considered worn.
- 2/32 inches is the legal minimum, not always the safest: While 2/32nds of an inch is the legal minimum tread depth in most places, AAA research suggests that tires with a tread depth of even 4/32nds of an inch are significantly less safe, particularly in wet conditions.
- Consider replacing sooner: For optimal safety and performance, especially in wet or snowy conditions, consider replacing your tires when the tread depth reaches 4/32nds of an inch.
- Quarter Test: You can also use a quarter for a more conservative assessment. If the tread covers the top of Washington’s head (facing down), you have at least 4/32nds of an inch of tread left.
- Uneven wear: If you notice uneven tread wear, it could be a sign of improper inflation, wheel misalignment, or other maintenance issues that require professional inspection.
While the penny test is a helpful tool for a quick assessment, consider having your tires professionally inspected by a licensed mechanic for a more precise measurement and assessment of your tire’s overall condition.
How do you test your tires with a coin?
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.
Which coin can help test tire tread?
The penny test is a widely recommended, inexpensive method for quickly estimating your tire tread depth. By using a standard U.S. penny, you can determine whether your tires have sufficient tread. The test is simple: insert the penny into the tread groove of your tire with Lincoln’s head facing down.
What is the coin trick for tire tread?
From my experience, Hair you should have enough tread life. Left you can see on this tire that’s completely worn out that you can actually see Abe’s hairline. If you can see Abe’s hairline your tire is worn.
How to check tire tread with 25 cents?
From my experience, CHECK YOUR TIRE TREAD Here’s how to check your tread with a Canadian quarter: Insert a 25-cent coin in one of the grooves with the caribou facing down. If you see the tip of its nose, it means the tread depth is less tahn 6/32”, so the tire probably won’t last all winter, or 10,000 km.