QA

Quick Answer: How To Check Tire Tread 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.

Do you use a penny or quarter to check tire tread?

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. Tire Rack, which studies and sells tires, says that the penny test is outdated and that drivers should use a quarter instead.

Is the quarter test for tires accurate?

Quarter Tire Tread Test If you can see the top of Washington’s head, then your tires have worn below 4/32nds of an inch. Below 4/32”, your tires will experience a serious loss in stopping power and hydroplaning resistance. We highly recommend replacing tires worn to or below 4/32nds of tread depth.

What coin do you use to measure tire tread?

To test your treads, turn the penny upside down with Lincoln’s head facing you. Insert the coin into your tire treads until the top of the coin touches the rubber at the bottom of the groove. On a tire with adequate tread, the top of Lincoln’s head will disappear.

How do you measure tread depth without a gauge?

Penny Test for Tire Tread Wear Measurement. Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. Quarter Test for Tire Tread Wear Measurement. Another easy coin test to measure tread depth is the quarter test. Check the Tire Tread Wear Indicator. Measuring with a Tread Depth Gauge.

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 much tread do new tires have?

Tread is the rubber on the tire that touches the road. 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.

What is the penny trick for tires?

The Penny Test Insert a penny with Lincoln’s head upside down into a tire tread groove. If Lincoln’s head is covered and no longer visible between the grooves, your tread depth is good. If you can see all of Lincoln’s face, it means that the tire tread is 2/32 inches deep or less and it’s time to replace them.

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.

How do I know when to get new tires?

A super-easy way to check your tire tread With President Lincoln’s head pointed down, insert a penny into the grooves on your tire tread. If any part of Lincoln’s head is hidden by the tire tread, your tires are fine. Otherwise, your treads are too shallow and it’s time to replace your tires.

Is 4mm tread OK?

Any tyre that has a tread depth less than 1.6mm is illegal in the UK. A tyre with a tread depth of 4mm is a cause for concern as the tyre is 62% worn.

Is 4mm tire tread OK?

It doesn’t matter if it’s summer, winter or all-season tires — the remaining tread depth is extremely important. For summer tires, the remaining tread depth must be no less than 3 mm, and for winter and all-season tires it must be no less than 4 mm. May 10, 2019.

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.

Is 50 percent tire tread good?

If the tread reaches the bear’s paws, your tires are probably pretty new. If it reaches all the way across the silver, they’re about 50% worn. If your tire tread reaches only about half-way into the letters, it’s time to shop for new tires.

Is 5mm tire tread good?

Insert the gauge into the tyre tread groove with the coloured scale touching the tyre. If the red is visible the tyre tread is below 1.6mm. This means the tyre is 100% worn and should be replaced urgently. If the green is visible, the tyre tread is above is 5mm and is safe to drive.

What is the minimum safe tire tread depth?

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.