Automotive Safety & Tire Care

Tire Tread Depth & Penny Test

Test your car tires in 5 seconds with a penny or quarter. Understand 32nds of an inch, wet braking hydroplaning risks, and alignment wear patterns.

Select Tire Tread Depth Level (32nds of an Inch):

Tire Traction & Stopping Spec

2/32" (or less) (1.6 mm)

Legally Bald / Dangerous

US Coin Test Result:

Penny Test: Insert a Lincoln penny head-down. If all of Lincoln’s head is visible, tire is legally bald.

Wet Road & Hydroplaning:

EXTREME HYDROPLANING. Wet braking distance doubles; vehicle will skid on rain puddles like wet glass.

Safety Verdict:

ILLEGAL TO DRIVE in most US states and EU countries. Built-in tread wear indicator bars ("wear bars") are flush with the tread surface. REPLACE IMMEDIATELY.

Uneven Tire Wear Decoder: What Your Tires Are Telling You

Center Tread Worn More Than Edges

Over-inflation. High air pressure balloons the center of the tire, lifting the shoulders off the road.

Both Outer Shoulders Worn More Than Center

Under-inflation. Low pressure causes tire to sag in the middle, putting all vehicle weight on outer edges.

One Shoulder Worn Smooth (Inner or Outer)

Wheel alignment issue (Camber or Toe out of factory spec). Needs a laser alignment.

Cupping / Scalloped Dents in Tread

Blown shock absorbers or worn suspension struts failing to dampen road bounce.