With a rich and storied history of over 90 years of providing exceptional service to customers throughout the greater Chicago area, Wentworth Tire is the go-to solution for SUVs, light trucks, cars, and commercial vehicles needing brand-name tires. Our customer-centric focus means we are subject-matter experts on brands like Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Continental, Pirelli, Toyo, and Yokohama, among many others.

As an independent Chicago-area tire and vehicle service company, we know how important it is to have well-maintained tires. From improved fuel efficiency and control to reducing the risk of accidents, tires with good tread that are properly inflated are essential to safety and performance.

So, how do you know your tire tread depth is acceptable? Are there simple steps for measuring the tread? We’ll answer both questions and show you how to check tire tread with a penny.

What Causes a Tire’s Tread to Wear Out?

Before explaining how to check tire tread with a quarter or penny, it’s important to understand what causes a tire’s tread to wear out. Every tire’s tread eventually wears down as part of normal driving. However, tires are designed to last for a specific amount of time, and improper use or poor maintenance can reduce their lifespan.

• Improper wheel alignment
• Not rotating tires regularly
• Towing heavy loads
• Aggressive driving
• Hard braking
• Driving on rough terrain
• Underinflated or overinflated tires

One major cause of tire tread wear is poor wheel alignment. Not having your tires aligned regularly can cause the tread to wear much faster. Other causes include incorrect tire pressure, aggressive driving, towing heavy loads, failing to rotate tires regularly, hard braking, and driving on rough terrain.

Why Tire Tread Depth Matters

The tread on your tires helps your vehicle grip the road and maintain control when braking, steering, and handling. It also channels water away from the tires to improve contact with the road.

As the tread wears down, a tire loses its ability to channel water effectively. This can create control problems during rain, snow, and other slippery conditions.

• Good tire tread improves grip.
• Tread channels water away from the tires.
• Worn tread cannot channel water properly, which may lead to:
  • Reduced control in rain and snow
  • Reduced traction on sand and gravel
  • An increased risk of hydroplaning

In extreme situations, worn tread in rainy weather can lead to hydroplaning—a process in which the tire slides across water on the road, causing serious control issues. Whether you’re driving through dirt, sand, rain, or snow, worn tread can make driving more difficult.

How to Check Tire Tread With a Penny, Quarter, or Tread-Depth Gauge

The Penny Test

Insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head facing downward. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, the tire tread is extremely worn and the tire should be replaced.

The Quarter Test

Insert a quarter into the tread with Washington’s head facing downward. If you can see all of Washington’s head, the tread is getting low. This is an early warning that you should begin planning to replace your tires.

With both tests, if the tread covers part of Lincoln’s or Washington’s head, the tire still has more tread remaining. Perform these tests regularly and check several areas of each tire.

Using a Tread-Depth Gauge

A tread-depth gauge provides a more precise measurement. Place the gauge’s probe into the tire tread and read the measurement, which is typically shown in 32nds of an inch.

Measure the inside, center, and outside tread of every tire. Different measurements across these areas could indicate an alignment or tire-pressure problem.

When Should You Replace Your Tires?

At Wentworth Tire, we recommend replacing tires when the tread depth falls below 3/32 of an inch. Regular tread checks can help determine when replacement is necessary while accounting for different driving habits and road conditions.

Contact our team immediately if a tire has a puncture, rip, cut, crack, or bulge. Our technicians can inspect the tire and determine whether it needs to be replaced.

Schedule Tire Service With Wentworth Tire

Wentworth Tire provides tire inspections, rotations, alignments, balancing, and repair services. We also offer competitively priced new tires for drivers seeking options suited to their vehicles and driving habits.

If you have questions about your tires or believe your tread is wearing down, contact Wentworth Tire today.