When it comes to avoiding collisions, your vehicle’s tires are the first line of defense. As long as they have adequate tread depth, they should help you stop on a dime. If you’re unsure what constitutes adequate tread depth—or how to measure it—this handy guide on the penny test will help. 

What Is Tread Depth?

Have you ever inspected your tires closely? The tread refers to the ridges that jut out. These ridges provide friction, which helps tires maintain contact with the surface of the road. As the tread wears down, friction decreases, causing you to take longer when coming to a complete stop. Additionally, skidding becomes inevitable.

Tires can last anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 miles–a fairly broad window. As such, it’s important to start periodically inspecting a tire’s tread depth as they approach 30,000 miles. Once treads wear down to an unsafe level, the tires are considered “bald” and are due for replacing. 

How Do You Measure Tread Depth?

For optimal friction, the tread depth, which is simply the depth of the grooves between the ridges, should be at least 2/32 inches. Because that’s roughly the distance from the edge of a penny to the top of Lincoln’s head, you can use a penny to determine if your tires are safe for road travel. Simply insert a penny upside down into one of the grooves between the most worn treads. If the ridges are high enough that they cover at least some of Lincoln’s head, the tires are safe. If, on the other hand, you can see all of the president’s face, the tires are due for replacing.

If your vehicle’s tires failed the penny test, turn to You Save Auto Repair in Covington, KY. With a vast inventory of quality parts and accessories for all makes and models, their highly trained technicians will help you get back on the road as quickly—and safely—as possible. With prompt turnaround times and affordable rates, they can meet all your needs when your vehicle is due for repairs. To learn more about all the services they’re equipped to perform, visit their website. To get a quote for tires, call (859) 360-3465.