How to Check Tire Tread with a Penny

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Select a shiny penny.

   It will be easier to read when you perform the test.
   
   Very dark pennies or pennies with Abe’s face obscured will not work nearly as well as a new penny.
2. 2

   Step 2: Hold the penny between your thumb and your forefinger.

   Make sure Abe’s body is in your grasp; don’t hold the penny in such a way that you obscure Abe’s head. , Insert the penny into the grooves on the thread with Lincoln’s head pointed down. , If any part of Lincoln’s head is obscured by the tire tread, your tires are fine.
   
   Otherwise, your treads are too shallow and you should replace them. , Continue the penny test around the tire about every 15”.
   
   Check the central grooves and the inner and outer grooves.
   
   This will tell you if your tire has uneven wear. , Tires do not wear evenly so be sure to check the tread on each tire to determine that the tread depth for each is safe.
3. 3

   Step 3: Choose a point in your tire tread that appears to be low.

4. 4

   Step 4: Look at the penny.

5. 5

   Step 5: Check more than one groove.

6. 6

   Step 6: Check each tire.

Detailed Guide

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