How to tell if you need new tires
The Penny Test
Learn the Penny Test. It’s an easy way to check your tire tread to determine if it’s time for new tires.
The penny test is the gold standard for measuring tire tread-depth because it is easy and it works. Just take a penny and, with Lincoln’s head upside down, put it between the tread blocks of the tire. If you are not able to see the top of Lincoln’s head – if his head is “buried” between the tread blocks – then you still have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to go tire shopping because the tread is worn down to or beyond 2/32 of an inch.
Flip the penny over so that the Lincoln Memorial (pennies from 2010 and earlier will have the memorial on the back) is facing you and put the penny between the tread blocks with the memorial upside down. If the Lincoln Memorial is completely hidden, you have more than 3/32 of an inch of tread left.
Did You Know – Most state laws require tires to have a tread depth of at least 2/32″ to remain in service?
The Quarter Test
Some automotive experts believe that using a quarter to test tire depth provides a better read than using a penny. Some independent tests have concluded that cars were able to stop faster with tires that had a little more than 4/32 of an inch of tread depth, which is the measurement the quarter test indicates. To perform the quarter test, put a quarter between the tread blocks of a tire (just like the penny test) with Washington’s head upside down, If you cannot see the top of Washington’s head, you have 4/32 of an inch of tread or more.
Did You Know – In snowy and slushy conditions, 4/32 of an inch of tread or more is necessary for good traction
Whether you go with Lincoln or Washington, both coin tests are also good ways to check to see if your tires are wearing evenly. Simply do the test between other tread blocks and if the measurements aren’t the same on all the tire treads, the tires may need to be rotated or your vehicle may require an alignment. Different types of tread wear will indicate how your tires are wearing. If you don’t have any coins handy, check to see if the tires’ wear bars are showing. Wear bars run across your tires tread pattern from the outside edge to the inside edge. If the wear bar is visible you are in need of new tires as you have hit 2/32” of an inch of tread depth. Most states consider a tire’s service life over if any point of the tread is at 2/32” or less. If you are still unsure about how to tell if you need new tires, Ron Westphal Chevrolet would be happy to evaluate the depth of your tires. Feel free to drop by our service anytime or call us at 630-898-9630.
