Proper tread ensures that your tires can adequately grip surfaces, keeping you safe on slick or uneven terrain. Aside from losing grip, reduced tread depth also makes it easier for objects like nails or construction debris to puncture your tires.
The “penny test” is a time-honored way of checking your tire tread on the go. Safety standards in the U.S. recommend maintaining a tread depth of at least 2/32″. Place a penny — with Lincoln’s head facing you — in the tread of the tire, then gently rotate it so that Lincoln’s head dips down into the tread of your tire.
If you can still see the top of his head when the coin image is upside down, it could mean that your tires have worn too thin and it’s time to look at a replacement. Learn more aboutof your tire’s longevity, including tips on using a quarter instead of a penny. Another method, which involves less digging in your pocket, is just eyeballing each tire before you consult a professional. Search for signs of uneven wear, single tires having more wear and reduced tread in a single spot on the wheel may indicate that you’re low on air pressure or need toReplacing tires in D.C. can be costly, and replacing all four is typically recommended to ensure that they remain balanced and wear evenly.