Penny Test For Tires: Check Your Tread Depth At Home
Tread depth is the distance from the deepest part of the tread groove to the very top of the tread block. Regularly checking your tire's tread depth can help you determine when it is time to replace your tires, and the penny test for tires is the best way to check your tread depth at home.
The Penny Test For Tires: Here's How It Works
The penny test is simple: just place a penny headfirst into the tread groove. If the tread covers part of Lincoln's head, you passed the penny test—you have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth remaining in that area. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tread is too low to pass the test. For the most accurate assessment, you should repeat the process in several grooves around the tire, varying the placement of the penny between the inside of the tire and the outside and rotating to different sides. If there are several areas where your tread is too shallow and worn to pass the test, your tires need to be replaced. If you don't replace your tires in a timely fashion, they can go "bald," which drastically increases your vehicle’s stopping distance, especially when roads are wet.Read more: Will my tires pass inspection?
At V&F
As a general rule of thumb, you should have your technicians inspect your tires every oil change. It’s also important to check your tires regularly for irregular wear and other exterior damage such as cuts, cracks, or bulges. If you fail the penny test or discover other damage to your tires, you should have your tires replaced immediately by the team at V&F. All of our auto repair services are backed by an industry-leading 3 year / 36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. Contact us at (413) 314-2280 or schedule an appointment online. At V&F we offer:- Tire sales
- Tire installations
- Tire rotation
- Tire balancing
- Tire replacement
- Wheel alignment
- Tire air pressure checks
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) repair and service
Read more: 3 Simple Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Tires