How to Use a Penny to Check Tread Wear on a Tire
Driving on overly worn tires is not only dangerous for handling and braking your vehicle, it can be symptomatic of a larger issue with tire inflation or wheel alignment. In order to ensure the safety of your vehicle, especially in wet or icy conditions, you should regularly check the tread of your tires. The Lincoln Penny Test is a simple rule that is easy to remember and can be performed anywhere.
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Instructions
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Hold a Lincoln penny from the bottom between your index finger and thumb with the head and the phrase "In God We Trust" visible.
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Insert the penny with Lincoln's head pointed downward in the shallowest groove in your tire's tread. Check to see if any part of the head is covered by the tire. If so, then your tire has enough tread left to be considered safe. If no part of the head is covered or worse--parts of the lettering above the head are visible, then your tire is less than 1.6 mm thick in the area you tested. Driving with the damaged tire, especially in adverse conditions, can greatly limit your handling and is even illegal in some states.
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Continue applying this method to check various parts of your tire. An improperly aligned tire can often wear down unevenly. If you notice wear on the edges, your tire could be under-inflated. If the wear is primarily in the center, it could be over-inflated. If the wear is uneven on the tire, then it could be a sign of a larger problem with the suspension or steering system.
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Promptly replace any tires that have failed the Lincoln Penny Test. While you are at the shop, check your tire inflation and your vehicle alignment to maximize the life of your new tires.
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Tips & Warnings
Some experts now recommend using a quarter to perform the test, which is 3.2 mm versus 1.6 mm, for safer tires on wet roads.
