With all the talk about pennies being taken out of circulation (check your couch cushions, folks, they’re becoming an endangered species!), we realized something important.
If you can’t find a penny… How are you supposed to check your tires?
For decades, the "Penny Test" has been the go-to trick for drivers everywhere. You stick Lincoln’s head upside down in the tread, and if you can see the top of his head, you need new tires. But as our CEO, Jamie Ward, recently discussed with the team over at Cincinnati's Fox Channel 19, relying on old-school tricks isn't just outdated, it’s unsafe.
(Did you miss Jamie’s interview? You can catch the full story on tire safety on YouTube right here: Watch the full interview with Jamie Ward).
Why Abe Lincoln Might Be Wrong
Here is the thing about the "Penny Test": it tells you when your tread is down to 2/32 of an inch.
In the tire world, that is what we call "bald." Jamie pointed out that if you wait for the "Penny Test", you've likely already lost the "sipes" on your tires—those little cuts that act like squeegees to push water away. Without them, you’re basically surfing, not driving.
The scary part? Jamie noted that the difference in stopping distance between a safe tire and a "Penny Test" tire is massive—jumping from 290 feet to 379 feet in wet weather. That’s nearly the length of a football field!
The "New" Pocket Change Test: Use a Quarter
If you want to check your tread at home, grab a quarter instead. Insert Washington’s head upside down into the tread groove.
• If you see the top of Washington’s head: Your tread is about 4/32 of an inch.
• Why it's better: Using a quarter gives you a safety buffer. It tells you it's time to replace your tires before you lose those critical sipes and before your stopping distance becomes dangerous.
The "Invisible" Danger: Tire Aging
Tread depth isn't the only thing that matters. Tires have birthdays, too.
Rubber is a natural material. Over time, it oxidizes and gets brittle, kind of like an old rubber band that snaps when you stretch it. Even if you have plenty of tread left, a tire that is 6 to 10 years old might be unsafe to drive on because the internal structure is breaking down.
(Curious about the science? You can read more about Tread Wear on our site.
The Best Test? The Free One.
Let’s be real. You don’t need to be crawling around on your driveway with a pocketful of change. That’s what we’re here for.
At Tire Discounters, a tire safety inspection is always free. We’ll check your tread depth (with actual gauges, not coins), look for uneven wear that signals alignment issues, and check the age of your tires. And if you do need a fresh set? You already know the deal.
We are the Home of the Free Alignment. We don’t just slap new tires on and send you on your way. We make sure your car is aligned so those new tires last longer, drive smoother, and keep you safe. That’s the "Out the Door with More" promise.
So, save your pennies if you can find them. We’ll handle the tires.
