Checking your tire tread depth with a coin is a quick and easy way to assess their condition and determine if they need replacement. Here’s how to perform the test using either a penny or a quarter:
- Locate the wear bars: Most tires have built-in tread wear indicators, or “wear bars,” located in the tread grooves at a depth of 2/32″.
- Insert a penny: Place a U.S. penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing downwards.
- Observe the result:
– If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread depth is less than 2/32″ and the tire is considered worn out and should be replaced.
– If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, then you have more than 2/32″ of tread remaining.
- Insert a quarter: Place a U.S. quarter into the tire tread groove with Washington’s head facing downwards.
- Observe the result:
– If you can see the top of Washington’s head, the tread depth is less than 4/32″ and you should consider replacing the tires, especially for improved safety and performance in wet or slippery conditions.
– If the tread covers the top of Washington’s head, you have at least 4/32″ of tread remaining.
- The penny test helps determine if your tires meet the minimum legal tread depth in most states (2/32″). However, it’s worth noting that some experts recommend replacing tires when tread depth reaches 4/32″ (using the quarter test) for optimal safety, particularly in wet or snowy conditions.
- Always check the tread depth at multiple points around each tire, paying attention to areas that appear most worn.
- Uneven tread wear can indicate underlying issues like improper inflation, wheel misalignment, or other maintenance needs, which should be inspected by a qualified technician.
- Even if your tires pass the penny or quarter test, remember that tire performance can diminish significantly before they reach the legal minimum.
Disclaimer: While the coin tests are helpful for a quick assessment, professional tread depth gauges offer more precise measurements. When in doubt, it’s always recommended to have your tires inspected by a professional.
How to tell if tire tread is good 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.
How accurate is the penny test for 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).
Which coin can help test tire tread?
From my experience, 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 quarter test for 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.