As all drivers know, driving on worn-out tires is an impediment to your car’s performance and your personal safety. However, do you know when to tell whether your tires are wearing thin? Don’t fret - that is why Woodie’s Auto Service and Repair Center is here to help. There is a simple hack that you can do to check your tire tread with spare change!

Measuring Tread with the Penny Test

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you should replace your tires once the tread has been worn down to 2/32 inches. But it is not simple to pull out a ruler at hand to measure that. The easiest way to calculate your tread depth is using a penny. 

Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Using the penny, place it with Lincoln’s head upside down on one of the ridges of your tire.
2. If part of the head is covered, that means your wheels are still in good shape.
3. If you can see his entire head, then your tread has been worn to 2/32 inch or less, and it’s time to get your tires replaced!
4. When evaluating your tires, be sure to look for uneven tire wear on all sides of the tires.

You might even be able to skip all the steps of the Penny Test. Some vehicles nowadays come with indicator bars that alert you when your tread is worn down to 2/32 inches. No matter how you measure it, you should always be aware and routinely check on your tires. 

The Safety Risks of Overworn Tires

Even though it is standard that you replace your tires once they get to 2/32 inches, your car’s performance would have deteriorated well before then. As tire tread wears down, it becomes less capable of channeling water, and the risk of hydroplaning increases. It is even more hazardous in the winter when driving on snowy or icy roads, as it’s even more difficult for your tires to grip the roads. If you are driving with worn-out tires, then be cautious about giving yourself extra time to come to a stop in wet weather conditions.

Be sure to let us know if you try the Penny test! Furthermore, if you find that your tires need replacing, feel free to contact Woodie’s Auto Service and Repair Center and so that we can help get your vehicle back in excellent running condition.