You don’t know when to replace tires? Or you’re worried about how to check if your tire needs to be replaced.
Do you think that your tire tread may already be worn out?
We all have been in a situation like this where we are confused about whether our tires need a replacement or not.
Tire tread is an important measurement to analyze that can tell whether our tire needs a replacement.
There are many methods to check the tire tread, one of the simple methods that we can do in our home is The Penny test.
As the name suggests, this test just requires a penny and your time. It’s very simple yet effective.
Continue reading and you will find out how to easily check tire tread with your penny on the existing tire.
Today through this article, First of all, it is important to know what exactly is Tire Tread Depth.
What is Tire Tread Depth?
Tire Tread Depth is the distance between the top surface of your tire and the bottom surface of the tire tread, you can also say the bottom surface of the groove in your tire.
For pictorial representation, please check the below image….
The tire tread depth in the United States is measured in 32nds of an inch. The new tires have 10/32” or 11/32”.
However, some trucks, winter tires, and SUVs might have bigger tread depths than normal tires.
The tire tread depth conveys the condition of your tire. If you look technically the measurement is as below:
| S.no | Tire tread depth | Remarks |
| 1 | 6/32” | Sufficient tire tread depth |
| 2 | 5/32” | Wet roads are dangerous, Consider tire replacement |
| 3 | 4/32” | Replace tires ASAP |
| 4 | 3/32” | Immediately replace your tires, Legally bald tires |
Which Tread Depth to choose?
The U.S Department of Transportation recommends that the tires should be replaced when you see 2/32” tread depth.
Any delay will only cause unforeseen circumstances. It is always recommended that tires should be replaced as soon as you see 4/32”.
However, most tire manufacturers suggest that during winter it’s better to replace when your tires reach 4/32” and during summer when you see it as 2/32”
Risks of Driving with Low Tire Treads Depth
I know that everyone’s busy these days, but as we drive around, we must meticulously maintain our cars to avoid unnecessary dangers. That includes timely replacement of tires.
Driving with low tire tread depth can significantly cause several risks….
- Low tire tread depth can cause slippery aka hydroplaning during higher speeds.
- Loss of grip on snow conditions or icy roads
- More prone to cause punctures and loss of air pressure.
- Importantly during summer, it can cause sudden blowouts which can cause major accidents.
The above reasons, you should ensure that your tires have correct amount of treads and most importantly safe for you to drive. Remember, safety first.
1st check you can do anywhere to check the tire tread depth is by a Penny test.
How does the Penny test work?
Until now you have understood the importance of tire tread depth and its risks of low value, now you can evaluate whether your tire has the right level of tread depth.
Let’s do the penny test, I have listened out the steps of doing the Penny Test
Step 1:
You can check in your pockets, couches, or your piggy bank to take out a penny.
Step 2:
Go to your garage or wherever your car is
Step 3:
Orientation of the Penny, you need to know how to place the Penny.
Place is as suggested in the below image….
Pro Tip to Remember:
Remember to place the penny’s Lincoln facing towards you and the head upside down. Head into the tread.
The tire tread has several ribs, it’s an extruded portion of the tread.
Once you place the penny on the tread, if you don’t see Lincoln’s head then your tires are great.
But if you see the top of Lincoln’s head that means your tire has worn out and it’s time for you to go for some tire shopping.
Below is the pictorial representation of the penny test evaluation:
While checking the tire make sure to check all sides of the tire and not limit it to a particular area.
CHECK ALL THE TIRES and take note of the orientation of the penny while checking.
While doing the penny test, some areas will fail, and some areas will pass. You must consider this a failure overall. Because the penny test doesn’t guarantee the overall legal values for tread depth.
Hence, you can check professionally with a depth gauge to be more accurate in terms of legal requirements.
Most importantly, if you have any doubts about your tread depth measurements, you must always check them with a licensed mechanic.
Driving with a proper tread depth tire is a vital requirement for your safety. Hence, check with your mechanic and consider replacing the tire.
A Penny test is a reasonably good way to maintain your tires. It is also important to examine and accurately know your tire tread depth and plan the tire replacement accordingly.
Conclusion:
- Periodically checking your tire tread depth with a Penny test will make sure to keep track on your tire health.
- Penny test is the easiest and simplest method to be aware of your current condition of the tires.
- Be aware of the risks due to tire tread depth being worn out and take necessary actions before it’s too late.
- Don’t delay the tire replacement for a long time and change it on time for a safer driving experience.
Share this article with your friends and family who own a car for their safety information.