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Did you know that you officially need to replace your tires when the tread is below
2/32” thick? And did you know that the distance between the edge of a penny and
the top of Lincoln’s head is exactly 2/32”?

Convenient, right?

Whether you’ve put extra miles on your tires with summer road trips or they are
simply nearing the end of their life, this quick test will let you know if it is time to
consider new tires.

Most tires have “wear bars” that run across the tread pattern. When these
become visible, connecting patterns across your tire’s tread, they serve as a
warning that your tread is getting bare. But not all tires are designed the same,
and sometimes you just need an extra test to know with confidence that it is time
to replace your tires.

So for a quick tread check, grab a penny! Place the penny, with Lincoln’s head
down and facing you, into the tread of the tire.

If all or part of Lincoln’s head is obscured by the tread, your tires still have some
life left – but if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tire.

Note: Measure each tire in multiple
places – both the inside and outside
edge across the tire, and on multiple
points around the tire. If your
alignment is off, or if you have
neglected tire rotation, they may
have uneven wear. This also can
cause bald spots that mean you
need to replace your tires
prematurely.

If you don’t have a penny handy, a
quarter can also do the trick! The distance between Washington’s head and the
edge of a quarter is exactly 4/32” (which also happens to be the recommended
thickness for tire tread if you are driving in rain, snow, or icy conditions).

Use the same method, placing the quarter with Washington’s head upside down
and facing you in the tread across multiple places on your tire. When you can see
all of Washington’s head, you know you will need to replace your tires soon.

You may consider replacing your tires before they reach the 2/32” point. As your
tread thins between 4/32” and 2/32” you may start to experience performance
issues, especially in wet and slick conditions.

The good news? There are easy steps you can take to extend the life of your
tires! Keep your tires properly inflated to reduce extra friction and wear. Rotate
your tires regularly to ensure they wear uniformly without creating bald spots.
Have an alignment performed periodically. Treat your tires with care – following
these recommended maintenance tips can help them wear evenly so you get
more miles out of every dollar! Stop by or schedule an appointment for a tire
rotation, alignment, or inspection.