There is an easy and free way to check the tread depth of your tires. With Abe Lincoln coins, you can quickly check whether you need to buy new tires or not.
Step
Step 1. Select coins that are still clean
It will be easier to see if you are checking later. A dull coin or Abe's faded face won't help much.
Step 2. Hold the coin with your thumb and forefinger
make sure Abe's body is pinned, and don't cover Abe's head.
Step 3. Select the wheel groove you want to check
Insert the coin into the groove, with Abe's head pointing down.
Step 4. Look at the coin, if there is still a head part visible from the side, it means the tire is still quite good
If it is not visible, you must replace it.
Step 5. Check more than one groove
Continue this test around the tire every 15 . Check the center groove and edge groove. You will know if the tire wears out evenly or not.
Step 6. Check each tire
Tires don't wear evenly, so check each tire to make sure it's safe or not.
Tips
- The tread depth is important for tire safety, but you can extend its life if you take good care of it. Make sure you fill it with the correct air pressure, and rotate it according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually every 5000 miles) so that the tires wear evenly.
- Don't check your spare tire either
Warning
- Remember that even if your tires pass this test, you will still have to buy new tires before the 2/31" rule is applied. Shallow tread tires will allow you to hydroplan on wet roads and will reduce traction on snow.
- In many states, the minimum tire tread is 2/32 inch, just the distance from Abe's head to the tip of the coin.
