When it comes to checking tire tread, there are a number of methods that can help you know if it’s time to replace a tire. Heavily worn tread will prevent a tire from performing as designed and can lead to unsafe driving conditions. One of the simplest, most common ways to check tread depth requires nothing more than a penny and a few moments of your time.
In the United States, tire tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch. New tires typically come with 10/32” or 11/32” tread depths, and some truck, SUV and winter tires may have deeper tread depths than other models. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires when they reach 2/32”, and many states legally require tires to be replaced at this depth.
The idea of the penny test is to check whether you’ve hit the 2/32” threshold. Here’s how it works:
Place a penny between the tread ribs on your tire. A “rib” refers to the raised portion of tread that spans the circumference of your tire. Tire tread is composed of several ribs.
Turn the penny so that Lincoln’s head points down into the tread.
See if the top of his head disappears between the ribs. If it does, your tread is still above 2/32” , If you can see his entire head, it may be time to replace the tire because your tread is no longer deep enough.
When performing the penny tire test, remember not only to check each tire, but to check various places around each tire. Pay special attention to areas that look the most worn. Even if parts of your tread are deeper than 2/32”, you should still replace the tire when any areas fail the penny test.
Consistent wear around the whole tire is normal, but uneven tread wear could be a sign of improper inflation, wheel misalignment, or a variety of other things. If you see uneven tread wear, you should have a technician inspect your vehicle.
A simple way to check your tire tread depth is by using a tread depth gauge.
You can find tire tread depth gauges at your local auto parts store. There are many models available, but an inexpensive simple graduated probe gauge will work just fine. All you have to do is stick the probe into a groove in the tread and press the shoulders of the probe flat against the tread block and read the result. All gauges should measure in both 32nds of an inch and millimeters.
Another indicator of worn out tread already lives in your tires themselves. Every performance, light truck, or medium commercial tire comes equipped with indicator bars (or wear bars) embedded between the tread ribs at 2/32”. They’re there to help you monitor tread depth and make decisions about tire replacement. Just look to see if the tread is flush with the indicator bars. If they are, it’s time to replace the tire.
While the penny tire test does deliver on what it promises – indicating whether tread has reached the legal limit – it may not be the best indicator of whether your tires are safe for the road.
Tire performance can diminish significantly before your tread hits 2/32”. Even though the law deems fit for safe driving may not prevent you from hydroplaning or losing control in rainy, slushy conditions. If you think your tires may be close to needing replacement, have them checked out by a licensed mechanic.
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When your tire treads wear thin, you could be in for a slippery ride—literally. Luckily, you can spot dangerous tread depth using only a penny, and Honest Abe’s face! The penny test is quick, easy, and can help you know exactly when to replace tires.
To check your tread depth, you don’t need any fancy tools or expert knowledge.
Grab a penny, and you have everything you need!
For reference, the distance between the top of a penny and Abe’s head is about 2/32nd of an inch. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is less than 2/32nd of an inch and your safety may be at risk. Depending on where you live, continuing to drive on such thin tread could actually be against the law.
"Most states require a minimum of 2/32 of an inch (approximately 1.6 mm) of tread, but two require less, some have no requirements, and some defer to the federal criterion for commercial vehicle safety inspections," reports the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
With adequate tire tread depth, your car is able to grip the road. This is especially important when roads are snowy or wet, or when you’re driving on less-than-ideal surfaces. Once tread becomes shallow, your tires are more prone to slipping and sliding, creating a dangerous situation for yourself and other drivers on the road.
When your tires are worn, other components of your vehicle can begin to wear prematurely, too, as your vehicle experiences excess strain. While new tires can be a big investment, they’re an investment worth making.
Reach into your pocket and pull out your spare change. Give the penny test a try—it only takes a few minutes—and find out if it's the right time to replace your tires. If you're short on change, just find your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care. Our stores offer free tire inspections that include tire tread depth measurement!
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When driving a car, most drivers want two things: to get to their destination and to do it as safely as possible. This means that the vehicle is in good condition, including the tires. Tires are part of the foundation of a car. Without them, the vehicle cannot move or otherwise do what it was designed to do. However, not every tire is sufficient. When purchasing tires, they must match the type of vehicle and be in good condition to support and transport it.
When buying tires, there are several factors to consider before purchasing, such as the type of vehicle, road and weather conditions in which they will be used, and driving style.
A popular selection of tires includes all-season, all-terrain, winter and performance tires. All-season tires are good for cars and vans and are suitable for both wet and dry conditions, although they are best suited for regions where temperatures don't regularly drop below freezing. Winter tires are designed to operate in the cold conditions that are associated with the winter months and can withstand sub-zero temperatures. Both all season and winter tires are also available as high performance tires. The Performance version of these tires offers a bit more than the standard versions. For example, high performance winter tires have improved traction, while high performance all-season tires have a higher speed rating and provide better handling and braking. For people who drive trucks or SUVs, truck versions are also available that can handle the heavier loads associated with these types of vehicles. Off-road tires are also ideal for SUVs and trucks and have a more durable tread for both paved roads and soft off-road driving.
Giving your car the right car care is also critical. Part of this care is regular inspection and maintenance of tires to ensure they are roadworthy and safe. People can do some of this important maintenance on their own with just a little eye, a penny, and a tire pressure gauge. To begin, inspect each tire for cracks, bulges, tread separation, or anything else that could be stuck in the tires. A puncture with a sharp object can cause a slow leak even if it is still stuck. Look at the tire tread pattern to make sure it is deep enough to provide the proper grip needed for safe driving. To check for wear, take a coin and insert it upside down into the tread groove. When looking at a penny, the top of President Lincoln should not be visible. If it is visible, the tread is low. The tires also have built-in wear strips that indicate when the tread has worn enough to be replaced. If the tread on the outer edges of the tire appears to be wearing out, this may be a sign that the vehicle's alignment needs to be checked or the tires need to be repositioned.
Failure to properly inspect tires may result in blown tires, hydroplaning, or other accidents that could result in serious injury to a person or bystanders.
When servicing a vehicle's tires, one of the most important steps is to check their inflation. Under-inflated tires cause problems for several reasons: they reduce a car's fuel consumption, cause additional tire wear, and, most importantly, they are one of the main causes of traffic accidents. Because tires depressurize by about one psi per month, it's critical to check them at least once a month, even if they appear to be heavily inflated. To check your tire pressure, start by checking the recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) values that the manufacturer lists in your vehicle's owner's manual. If a vehicle owner's manual cannot be found, the information you need can also be found on a plate or sticker found inside the door frame of most vehicles. The ideal time to check the pressure is in the morning when the tires are cold.
If this is not possible and the car has been running, wait for them to cool down, at least half an hour, as it is impossible to accurately check the pressure on a hot tire. When you're done, remove the valve cap, place it in a safe place, and press the tire gauge firmly against the valve stem. When using a digital pressure gauge, readings will appear within a few minutes; with a standard gauge, a small bar will pop out to display the results. Compare the readings on the pressure gauge with the manufacturer's recommended amount and add air if necessary. Recheck the pressure after adding air and close the lid when finished.
For more information on tire safety, see the following sources:
If you drive long enough, you will eventually need to change your tires.
It's important to know when it's time to make this change, as having good quality tires can help you avoid crashes and maintain control of your car.
According to TireRack, there is no set calendar age that indicates it is time to change your tires. Environmental conditions such as road salt and salty air, extreme temperatures and exposure to direct sunlight can cause your tire to wear faster, no matter how old it is. In general, if your tires are over six years old, you may need to replace them. If they are over 10 years old, the chances that the rubber has decomposed are even higher.
When you buy new tires, you will see that they are rated for a certain number of miles. It depends on the brand. Autos.com reports that if you don't have tires that wear long or are approved for a long period, you will most likely need to replace them after about 40,000 miles.
If your car does not drive as well as it used to, this change may indicate that your tires need to be replaced. Trouble driving on wet pavement and difficulty maintaining traction in corners can be signs of tire wear.
A bulge or protrusion on the sidewall or vertical edge of the tire may indicate a weak spot. Over time, this stain can cause a tire to burst, so it's important to have it checked right away. Cracks can also indicate weakness.
Poor alignment can cause your vehicle to vibrate, but uneven tire wear can be another cause. Also, an internal problem in the tire can cause this behavior, so it's important to check the tires and possibly replace them if this occurs.
Many new cars have tire pressure monitoring systems to alert you when one or more tires are under-inflated.
If your car does not have this feature, it is important to check your tire pressure regularly. Tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. If you regularly drive with one or more tires under-inflated, you may need to buy new tires sooner rather than later. Under-inflated tires place excessive stress on the tire sidewalls, causing them to wear faster.
Tire tread must have a certain depth to ensure proper traction. If the tread depth is too shallow, your car will not handle the road well. According to a commentary published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention, most states require 1/16 inch tread depth. However, if the tread depth is less than 1/8 inch, traction is significantly reduced. Most tires have wear bars that open when the tread is less than 1/16 inch.
If you are not sure if the tread has wear strips, you can use the penny test to check the tread.
