For decades the tire industry has taught drivers to use the so-called Penny Test as a simple way to tell when tires were worn out. But experts at
The Tire Rack** say that popular lesson is outdated, compromises safety, and
should give way to the Quarter Test.
The Tire Rack** say that popular lesson is outdated, compromises safety, and
should give way to the Quarter Test.
In the old Penny Test, seeing the top of Lincoln's head while holding a penny upside down in a tire tread groove indicated a tread depth of2/32-inch (1.6mm) or less, and that the tire needed replacing.
"The Penny Test was an indirect result
of tire warranties," explained
John Rastetter, director of tire information
John Rastetter, director of tire information
at The Tire Rack. "It is to
that depth (2/32") that most warranties remain
that depth (2/32") that most warranties remain
valid, encouraging drivers
to drive longer on tires that don't provide enough
to drive longer on tires that don't provide enough
wet-weather traction."
Tire Rack tests showed that doubling the tread
Tire Rack tests showed that doubling the tread
depth at which warranties
are voided will improve safety by cutting braking
are voided will improve safety by cutting braking
distances and improving
traction in the wet. "We know these changes won't
traction in the wet. "We know these changes won't
happen overnight so we're
encouraging drivers to pay more attention to their
encouraging drivers to pay more attention to their
tires now," he said.
Wet/Snowy roads + Worn tires = A real problem.
How to properly check tire tread depth can be
Wet/Snowy roads + Worn tires = A real problem.
How to properly check tire tread depth can be
found at
http://www.tirerack.com/treaddepth
** Parts of article from The Tire Rack website
http://www.tirerack.com/treaddepth
** Parts of article from The Tire Rack website
