Heres a simple tire inspection you can perform in less than a minute. Step 2: Use the penny to check tread depth around the tire. To use this method, take a penny and hold it so the engraving of Abraham Lincolns head points downward. Step 1: Visually inspect your tire tread for anything that doesnt belong. Keeping your car running safely into six-digit mileage requires proper care and maintenance from the start. Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch. If your tire has worn down until flush with any of the tread wear indicator bars, its time to replace it, even if the tread is still higher than the indicator bars elsewhere on the tire. 9AM 9PM ET Daily. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). The Penny Test. Finding your tire size is simple. A regular car maintenance routine can help protect the value and safety of your car. A. check tire pressure when tires are cold Send us your receipts, photos, invoices and more with just a push of a button. Would you like to see tires for this SIZE or start a new search? Looks like you previously searched for tires for a: Would you like to see tires for this VEHICLE or start a new search? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. * How often should you check the tire pressure of all your tires? This indicates at least 2/32 of an inch of tread depth remains on your tire. Enter the second number on your tire's sidewall as highlighted below.Heads up: Some tires might show a number like 12.5 as 1250. The correct version/option information is important for accurate results. Hold it in the same way so that Washingtons face is facing you and hes upside-down. This often costs $50-100 and can be done in under 2 hours if the mechanic isnt busy. * When you replace two tires instead of four tires, where should the two new tires be installed? Again, you may see some fine cracks here. Read Pirelli's advice! If youre an aggressive driver, this can cause your treads to wear down even faster. This will depend entirely on how you drive, where you drive, and how often you drive. D. are unclean, If the grooves in the tire have almost disappeared from the tire, this condition means Howard Fleischmann is an Automotive Tire and Repair Specialist and the CEO of Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair, with ten locations throughout Phoenix, Glendale, Yuma, and Casa Grande, Arizona. 3 Essential Things to Know About Your Cars Rims, How to Know if You Need a Wheel Alignment, Understanding Jeep Oil Change Indicator Lights, Understanding the Chrysler Oil Change Indicator and Service Indicator Lights, Understanding Land Rover Service Indicator Lights, I have gotten my ball joints replaced and a new spindle and my wheel still keep coming off the ball joint keep coming apart. Select the correct metric notation. Valid on service and installation purchases of $50 or more using the Goodyear Credit Card.. After you follow these steps and repeat the tire check a few times, it should become second nature and youll easily remember how to do the inspection. * When using the "penny test" to check your tread depth, which of the following indicates when the tires are too worn? When you're looking at your tire, your sidewall should look similar to one of these two options. He is now the owner of and main contributor to TireGrades.com. You may repeat the test a few times to get an average height thats more accurate. Whichever method you use, you need to check the tread depth at various points around the tires circumference. Discover information and recommendations for reducing the roadway hazards brought by snow and ice. B. to place better tires in front of the car If you can see all of Washingtons head, contact a local store. B. use a quality tire gauge Measure the tread depth about 1 in. Doing it any sooner will be premature, and will cause you to spend more money than you need to on tires (since youll be replacing them more often than you need). If the top of Lincolns head is always covered, you have more than 2/32 of tread remaining. Wear bars are small raised bumps located at several points around the circumference of your tires in the main tread grooves. All Rights Reserved. The depth gauge will then show you the exact depth, giving you more precise measurement. Youll notice a common theme with most tires. Another easy coin test to measure tread depth is the quarter test. A. to even out the suspension of the car Before you conduct any of these tests, make sure your vehicle is in the park, the ignition is off, and the parking brake is engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling. The most common of several methods for taking this measurement are: checking tread wear indicator bars, using the penny test, or measuring with a tire tread depth gauge. X As a best practice, you should check the tread on each tire every 3,000 miles or once it reaches 4/32 of an inch deep. You entered a Canadian address. If you can see a space between the top of Lincolns head and the tread, or if the tread is flush with the top of Lincolns head, this means your tires are worn to the point that they are no longer safe and need to be changed. from each edge and the depth of the center tread. The difference in wet weather performance between 4/32 and 2/32 is drastic. "My son's car had flat. Enjoy! The rule, endorsed by Michelin, said if you can see the top of Lincolns head when the coin is upside down on the tire, then you need to change it. Tire Guides and Advice that make the Grade. After checking your tire pressure a few times, youll recall the right pressure by memory. Step 3: Look for obvious bulges or bumps on your tire. Step 2: Use the penny to check tread depth around the tire. Some gauges are needle-shaped, and a part extends to measure the tread depth. you should check the tire tread every quizlet. Look for egg-sized lumps that feel softer than the rest of the tire when pressed. ", "Great summary, technical info and pictures help, too.". For the sake of convenience, always keep a quarter or a penny in your cars cup holder, ashtray, or center console. Today, we want to share our experience and knowledge about monitoring your tires health with a few simple steps. A. show that the tread of the tire is in optimal, good condition With less tread on your tires, your car doesnt get the same amount of grip driving down the road. If a tire is less than 3/32 of an inch, its time to get new tires. refer to sticker on the driver's side door jam, if the recommended PSI is above the number on the gauge, add air until it reaches the recommended number. You can also perform the exact same test with a quarter. As you can see, there are a few different methods and tools you can use to check tire tread depth. A. the tires need professional alignment The only downside is that youll be wasting time and money by replacing them so prematurely. If you typically drive between 12,000-15,000 miles per year, you should plan on changing your tires every 3-5 years or between 40,000-60,000 miles. With a quarter upside down and with Washingtons head facing you, place the quarter in between the tires tread. Most tire experts suggest that you should change your tires well before the legally required minimum tread depth. Step 1: Place a penny between the tread blocks of your tire. Visually look for metal or fabric strands sticking out of your tire. They suggest using the quarter test instead, since the standard distance from the top of Washingtons head to the edge of a quarter is 4/32nds of an inch. An ex-salesman of industrial equipment, Shawn used to drive nearly 60K miles a year just commuting to clients. 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