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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.
What are three ways to check the tire tread depth?
If you see irregular wear, it’s definitely an indication that you might need to have your tires balanced. There are basically three ways to measure tread depth: the quick-and-dirty way, the quicker-and-dirtier way, and the right way.
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.
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.
How do I check my tire 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.
How do you tell if you need new tires with a quarter?
The Quarter Test Insert a quarter into the tire tread upside down, with Washington’s head going in first. If the top of George’s head is covered by the tread, your tires are OK – do this test at multiple points around each tire. If the top of his head is visible at any point around the tire, you need new tires.
What is a good tread depth for used tires?
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.
How many miles are tires good for?
Your tires should last 50,000 to 60,000 miles on average. But that really depends on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers build their tires to last up to 80,000 miles, while some design their tires to last as little as 30,000 miles. You can see how many miles to expect out of a tire by checking its treadwear rating.
How many 32nds is a new tire?
New tires have an average tread depth of 8 to 9 millimeters (10/32 to 11/32 inches). As you drive, the tread will wear down. A tire with a tread depth below 1.6 millimeters (2/32 inches) lacks grip. Braking distance and vehicle control are impaired.
What are signs that you need new tires?
Tired Tires: 11 Signs You Need New Tires 11 Signs You Need New Tires. Your Tires Fail the Penny Test. The Sidewalls of Your Tires are Cracked. You Notice Bulges on the Tires. Your Tire Pressure Light Comes On. Your Car Shakes When You Drive. You Can See the Tread Wear Indicator Bars. Your Car Has Poor Traction on Wet Roads.
What percent 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 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.
Should I replace tires at 4 32?
The 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. Since water can’t be compressed, you need enough tread depth to allow the rain to escape through the tire’s grooves.
How do you check tire tread with a Canadian quarter?
The quarter test A classic way to measure winter tire wear is to use a quarter. Insert a 25¢ Canadian coin in one of the grooves with the caribou facing down. If you see the tip of its nose, it means the tread depth no longer meets 6/32”, so the tire probably won’t last all winter or 10,000 km.
What is the legal minimum tread depth in the United States?
The minimum legal limit is 2/32 of an inch. This doesn’t mean that tires are perfectly safe if they have 3/32 left of tread. This is simply the limit at which you won’t pass your state safety inspection. Your tires become incrementally less safe as the tread wears down.
