The penny test is a popular and simple way to estimate your tire tread depth and determine if your tires are due for replacement. [According to Discount Tire] and [Bridgestone Tires] , it checks if your tires have at least the recommended minimum tread depth of 2/32nd of an inch.
- Find a penny: Locate a clean penny for the test.
- Orient the penny: Hold the penny so that Abraham Lincoln’s head is facing upside down and pointing into the tire tread.
- Insert the penny: Place the penny into a tread groove.
- Observe the tread: If the top of Lincoln’s head disappears between the tread ribs, your tread is still above 2/32″ and may have adequate tread left. If you can see his entire head, your tread is likely less than 2/32″ and replacement is recommended.
- Check multiple points: Inspect various locations around each tire, focusing on areas that appear most worn, as wear may be uneven. Even if some areas are above 2/32″, replace the tire if any area fails the test.
- Lincoln’s head fully visible: Your tread depth is likely at or below 2/32nds of an inch, meaning it’s time to replace your tires.
- Part of Lincoln’s head covered: Your tread depth is likely greater than 2/32nds of an inch.
- Tread wear indicators: Most tires have built-in tread wear indicators (small bars within the grooves). If these bars are flush with the surrounding tread, the tire is at 2/32″ and needs replacement.
- Uneven wear: Uneven wear could indicate issues such as improper tire inflation, wheel misalignment, or worn suspension components. Consult a technician if you notice uneven wear patterns.
- Beyond the minimum: While 2/32″ is the legal minimum tread depth in most states, safety and performance can be compromised at tread depths above this, especially in wet or snowy conditions.
- The Quarter Test: Some experts recommend replacing tires when tread depth reaches 4/32nds of an inch, especially if driving in wet or snowy conditions, [says Discount Tire] and [Pirelli] . The Quarter Test, similar to the Penny Test but using a quarter, can help determine if your tread has worn below 4/32nds of an inch.
- Professional evaluation: For the most accurate assessment of your tire’s condition and lifespan, especially if you have concerns or are unsure, consider consulting a professional tire technician or a mechanic.
How do you measure tread with a coin?
Down you will need new tires sooner than. Later. Once we get to that point we’ll want to use the penny in the same way the top of the penny. And the top of Lincoln’s. Head is 232.
How accurate is the penny test for tire tread?
Good point! 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 tell tire tread depth with a quarter?
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?
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.