Check tire tread with a penny
A coin in the groove tells you if your tires are too worn to stop well in the rain.
- Put a US penny into a tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down, facing you.
- If you can see all of Lincoln's head, the tread is at 2/32 inch or less. Time for new tires.
- Check a few spots across each tire, since tires often wear unevenly.
Tip: Most tires also have small raised wear bars in the grooves. When the tread is flush with them, it's worn out.
Try it now: Next time you walk past your car, test the front tires.