Measuring tire tread depth with a coin is a simple and effective way to check if your tires are still safe to use. Here's how you can do it using a penny:
- Grab a penny: Make sure it's clean so you can see the details clearly.
- Insert the penny: Place the penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head pointing down.
- Check the tread: If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tread is less than 2/32 of an inch deep, and it's time to replace your tires. If part of his head is covered, your tread is still above 2/32 of an inch and your tires are in better shape⁴⁵.
- For a more proactive approach, you can use a quarter instead. Insert the quarter with Washington's head down. If the tread covers part of Washington's head, your tread depth is above 4/32 of an inch, which is better for wet conditions⁴.
Regularly checking your tire tread can help you maintain better traction and safety on the road. Do you have any other questions about car maintenance or anything else?
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 10/6/2024 (1) How to Check Tire Tread with a Penny: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread-with-a-Penny. (2) How to Check Tire Tread Depth: The Penny Test - Bridgestone Tires. https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/how-to-check-your-tire-tread-penny-test/. (3) How to Check Your Tire Tread Depth with a Gauge or a Penny. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv9WVOVDqm0. (4) How To Measure Tread Depth With a Tire Gauge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKmtAtNlU4Q. (5) How to check Tire Tread Depth using a Canadian 2 Dollar coin -- a Toonie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STCxD4jTJiE. (6) Measuring tread depth with a coin and a gauge - Capitol Tires. https://capitol-tires.com/how-to-measure-your-tire-tread-depth-with-a-coin-penny-quarter-and-a-gauge.html.