Penny Test on Tire Tread Depth
tech-tips

Jul 9, 2020

DIY Tire Tread Check

Check Your Tire Tread Depth with a Penny

Not sure if your tire tread is low or if you need new tires? DIY and take the Penny Test at home!

  1. Insert a penny in between your tire's tread with Lincoln's head facing you and pointing down. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch and it's time to replace your tires.
  2. Repeat this step in three separate areas of the tire; inner, center and outside.
  3. Repeat this step on the remaining three tires.

Tread depth below 2/32", the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) considers the tire as having reached the end of its useful life and should be replaced.