The penny test has been a tried and true way to test your tires for years. It’s quick and simple: if the tread doesn’t cover Lincoln’s head, then it’s time for the tire companies to step in.
While the penny test has been used for years, experts are calling for a change. The penny test lets you know when your tires reach a tread depth of 2/32-inch or less, but the quarter test may be a safer measure to tell when your used tires need replacing.
Here’s how to perform the quarter test on your tires and why it’s more effective than pennies.
The shinier the coin, the better. One of the hardest things about the penny test is finding a good penny because so many of them develop a patina that makes Lincoln’s head difficult to see. Most quarters don’t have that problem, but you should still make sure your coin is clean.
Performing the quarter test is identical to performing the penny test. Simply pick a groove in your tire, place the coin in it upside-down, and determine whether or not the tire covers Washington’s forehead. If it does, then your tires should be good to go for a while longer. If you can see George Washington’s hairline, then you may be due to visit your tire company.
Washington left some pretty big shoes to fill after he left the presidency, but that’s not why the quarter test is more effective than the penny test. The penny test lets you know when your tire tread has reached 2/32-inch. Now, experts are saying that tires should be replaced when the tread reaches 4/32-inch, not 2/32. While tire warranties remain valid until 2/32-inch, the necessary stopping distance is much greater, meaning there’s a higher risk of accidents if you’re using the penny test to determine whether or not your tires need to be replaced.
Neglecting vehicles costs the U.S. economy approximately $2 billion annually, but if you’re not careful, you could be shouldering some of that cost when you cause an accident due to neglecting tire maintenance. Tire companies will tell you when your tires should be replaced, so make sure you’re listening!
Please click anywhere to continue browsing our site.