Table of Contents
Take a standard U.S. Penny and insert it into the tread, with Lincoln’s head facing down and out. If you can see all of Lincoln’s face, your tread depth is below 2/32 of an inch, and you need new tires. Check your tires in multiple locations to be safe.
How do I know how much tread is left on my tires?
The Penny Tire Test Simply insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.
Is the penny test for tires accurate?
For years, motorists have been told the “penny test” is an accurate indicator of whether or not you need new tires. The test is conducted by sticking a penny head down in a tire tread; if you see all of Lincoln’s head, then you should change the tires. The one with an eighth of an inch of tread stopped in 300 feet.
How good is 6 32 tread?
6/32” Your tire’s tread depth is sufficient for 3-seasons but nearing minimum for a winter tire. 5/32” If wet roads are a concern, consider replacing your tires. If it’s a winter tire, 4/32” is the minimum. 2/32” Your tires are legally bald and need to be replaced.
Is 7 32 A good tire tread depth?
A tread depth gauge is the most accurate way. 6/32″ or higher: Your tire’s tread depth is sufficient. 5/32″: If snow-covered roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires. 4/32″: If you frequently drive on wet roads, consider replacing your tires.
What are tread wear indicators?
Tread wear indicators, or wear bars, are spaced evenly through the main grooves in the tire tread. If they are flush with the level of the tread, then the tire should be replaced. If they are flush with the level of the tread, the tire is no longer suitable for winter driving conditions.
How do you measure tread depth without a gauge?
Use a Quarter A simple way to check tread depth is using the nickel or quarter test. Hold a quarter or nickel between your thumb and forefinger and place the coin inside the channel, with the top of the figurehead’s head facing the tire.
Is 80 percent tire tread good?
Here’s what the heck that means: 2/32nds of tread is the legal minimum of tread you need on your tires to pass inspection in most states. Most tires have 10/32nds of tread when new, and when 80 percent of the tread has worn down, or its reached 2/32nds, it’s time for new tires.
How many 32nds is a penny?
A penny is obviously smaller than a quarter though, and so is the distance from the edge of the coin to the top of the head. On a quarter, it’s about 4/32nds of an inch but on a penny, it’s 2/32nds, which happens to be the minimum legal tread depth in most states.
What percentage tread is 8 32?
8/32″ of useable tread depth. A tire that starts with 10/32″ of original tread depth has 12.5% wear for every 1/32″ that is worn away, and a tire that starts with 12/32″ ” of original tread depth, has 10% wear for every 1/32″ that is worn away, etc.
Is 60 percent tire tread good?
Used tires tread can be up to 90%, but the average is 6-8/32”. Tires in good condition should have a minimum of 6/32” to be useful, or 4/32” if the tire is 13-14”. The average legal minimum tread depth is 2/32”, but driving becomes unsafe with such a tread.
What does 7 32 mean on a tire?
Tire Tread Depth Conversion /32″, Inch, MM Fraction /32″s Inch MM 7/32″ 0.219 5.56 8/32″ 0.250 6.35 9/32″ 0.281 7.14 10/32″ 0.313 7.94.
Should I replace my tires at 7 32?
“Tire Rack’s advice is that if rain and wet roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 4/32″ of remaining tread depth.” Obviously the tread will wear away over the life of the tire and the volume of its tread grooves will be reduced.
What is a safe tread depth?
Good tire tread depth will be 6/32 or deeper. If the depth is 4/32, you should start thinking of replacing your tires and getting new ones. 2/32 or less means that you should change your tires ASAP. The amount of tire tread can affect your stopping distance, making a drive in wet or snowy conditions more dangerous.
At what depth do you replace tires?
To meet legal safety standards in the U.S., a tire’s tread needs to be at least 2/32” deep. If the tires do not meet the 2/32” standard or are approaching not meeting it, you should replace your tires. Tires should also be free of sidewall damage and irregular wear for optimal performance and safety.
Do all tires have a tread wear indicator?
Some tires might not have wear bars at all. Instead, they have wear indicator dimples. These dimples can be found in select positions on the tread blocks or ribs. While they look different, they still tell us the same thing.
How do you measure tread with a penny?
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.
