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Learn why people **trust wikiHow**](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) - [Categories](https://www.wikihow.com/Special:CategoryListing "Special:CategoryListing") - [Cars & Other Vehicles](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Cars-%26-Other-Vehicles "Category:Cars & Other Vehicles") - [Cars](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Cars "Category:Cars") - [Car Maintenance and Repair](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Car-Maintenance-and-Repair "Category:Car Maintenance and Repair") - [Tires and Suspension](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Tires-and-Suspension "Category:Tires and Suspension") # [How to Check Tire Tread](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) **Co-authored by** [Jason Shackelford](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford) [Last Updated: January 30, 2026](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) - [Using the Penny Test](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#Using-the-Penny-Test) - [Using the Quarter Test](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#Using-the-Quarter-Test) - [Examining the Treadwear Indicator Bar](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#Examining-the-Treadwear-Indicator-Bar) - [Using a Tread Depth Gauge](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#Using-a-Tread-Depth-Gauge) - [Video](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#Video) - [Expert Interview](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#expertinterview) - [Expert Q\&A](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#qa_headline) - [Tips](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#tips) \|Show more \|Show less X This article was co-authored by [Jason Shackelford](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford). Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been viewed 49,308 times. A tire becomes legally worn out when its tread depth reaches two thirty-second (2/32) of an inch, according to most jurisdictions throughout North America. To lower your risk for vehicular accidents associated with low tire tread, check your tire tread using the penny test, the quarter test, by examining the treadwear indicator bars molded into your tires, or using a tread depth gauge. ## Steps Method 1 Method 1 of 4: ### Using the Penny Test 1. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-1.jpg) 1 **Place a penny into any tread groove on your tire.** 2. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-2.jpg) 2 **Rotate the penny so Abraham Lincoln’s head is upside down and inside the tread.**[\[1\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#_note-1) X [Trustworthy Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing [Go to source](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) Advertisement 3. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-3.jpg) 3 **Determine whether you can see Lincoln’s entire head when the penny is inserted into the tread groove.** Your tires are considered safe and legal if a portion of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread. However, if you can see Lincoln’s entire head after inserting the penny into the groove, you may need to replace your tire. 4. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-4.jpg) 4 **Repeat steps \#1 through \#3 in various grooves all over your tire.** If Lincoln’s head is visible in any groove, the tire may need replacing. Method 2 Method 2 of 4: ### Using the Quarter Test 1. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-5.jpg) 1 **Place a quarter into any tread groove on your tire.** 2. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-6.jpg) 2 **Rotate the quarter so George Washington’s head is upside down and inside the tread.**[\[2\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#_note-2) X [Trustworthy Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing [Go to source](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) 3. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-7.jpg) 3 **Determine whether you can see Washington’s entire head when the quarter is inserted into the tread groove.** If a portion of Washington's head is always covered by the tread, your tire has more than four thirty-second of an inch of tread depth remaining, which indicates your tires are still in good condition.[\[3\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#_note-3) X Research source 4. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-8.jpg) 4 **Repeat steps \#1 through \#3 in various grooves all over your tire.** If Washington’s entire head is visible in any groove, you may need to replace the tire. Method 3 Method 3 of 4: ### Examining the Treadwear Indicator Bar 1. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-9.jpg) 1 **Examine your tire to locate the treadwear indicator bars molded into the tread grooves.** These “bars” are located at the bottom of tread grooves in various locations all over your tire, and can help you visibly determine whether your tire tread is low.[\[4\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#_note-4) X Research source 2. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-10.jpg) 2 **Check to see whether the treadwear bars are flush with the adjacent ribs.** If so, this means your tire tread measures in at two thirty-second of an inch, and the tire should be replaced. Method 4 Method 4 of 4: ### Using a Tread Depth Gauge 1. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-11.jpg) 1 **Purchase a tire tread depth gauge from any auto parts store.** Most models of tread depth gauges cost between \$3 and \$8 from any auto parts retail store. 2. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-12.jpg) 2 **Place the end of the probe into any tread groove on your tire.** 3. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-13.jpg) 3 **Push down on the base of the gauge until the shoulders of the device lie flat against the tread block.** 4. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-14.jpg) 4 **Grab the barrel of the gauge and carefully remove the device from the groove without touching the probe.** 5. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-15.jpg) 5 **Make note of the tread depth reading.** 6. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-16.jpg) 6 **Repeat steps \#2 through \#5 on various parts of the tire.** This allows you to find out whether any grooves in your tire measure higher than two thirty-second of an inch, and whether your tire needs replacing. ## Expert Q\&A Search [Add New Question]() - Question How can I prolong the life of my car's tires? [](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford) [Jason Shackelford](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford) Auto Technician Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford) [Jason Shackelford](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford) Auto Technician Expert Answer I recommend incorporating an annual tire rotation into your maintenance routine and regularly checking tire pressure. This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of your car tires but also helps prevent undesirable tread wear, ensuring optimal performance and safety. **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.** **Thank you for your feedback.** If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \$1 helps us in our mission. [Support wikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Contribute) [Yes](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) [No](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) [Not Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) [Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. [Submit]() Advertisement ## Video ## Tips - Consider replacing your tire if its tread depth measures in at four thirty-second of an inch if you frequently drive in rainy or snowy conditions. This can help prevent your tires from losing traction or hydroplaning on wet roads due to low tire tread. Thanks [Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) [Not Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial [Submit](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) Thanks for submitting a tip for review\! Advertisement ## You Might Also Like [ How to Check Tire Tread with a Penny ](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread-with-a-Penny) [ How to Know when Car Tires Need Replacing ](https://www.wikihow.com/Know-when-Car-Tires-Need-Replacing) [ How to Measure Tires ](https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Tires) [How Close to the Sidewall You Can Safely Patch or Plug Your Tires ](https://www.wikihow.com/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched) [Overinflated Tires: Why It Matters (and How to Handle It) ](https://www.wikihow.com/Overinflated-Tires) [How Old Are Your Tires? Reading the DOT Code & Replacing Old Tires ](https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-the-Age-of-a-Tire) [Air Pressure Draining from Your Tires? Here’s What It Means and How to Fix It ](https://www.wikihow.com/Tire-Losing-Pressure-but-No-Leak) [The Ultimate Car Maintenance Checklist For Road Trips ](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Your-Car-Before-a-Road-Trip) [ How to Check Your Brake Pads For Wear: Visual Signs & Measurement Tips ](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Brake-Pads) [ How to Stop Hydroplaning ](https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Hydroplaning) [Is It Safe to Drive with Low Tire Pressure? It Depends ](https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-with-Low-Tire-Pressure) [Your Guide to Finding and Fixing an Unbalanced Tire ](https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-Which-Tire-Is-Out-of-Balance) [ How to Check Air Pressure in Tires ](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Air-Pressure-in-Tires) [ How to Fill Air in a Car's Tires ](https://www.wikihow.com/Fill-Air-in-a-Car%27s-Tires) Advertisement ## Expert Interview [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#wh-dialog-sample_103ce23b732b926d52129ee2fde5481a) Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car maintenance, check out our in-depth [interview](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#wh-dialog-sample_103ce23b732b926d52129ee2fde5481a) with [Jason Shackelford](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford). ## References 1. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#_ref-1) <https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/car-care/5305389891001/autos-tips-checking-tire-tread/> 2. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#_ref-2) <https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/car-care/5305389891001/autos-tips-checking-tire-tread/> 3. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#_ref-3) <https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/quartertest> 4. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#_ref-4) <https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/checking-your-tires-for-wear/> ## About This Article  Co-authored by: [Jason Shackelford](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford) Auto Technician This article was co-authored by [Jason Shackelford](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford). Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been viewed 49,308 times. 17 votes - 95% Co-authors: 6 Updated: January 30, 2026 Views: 49,308 Categories: [Tires and Suspension](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Tires-and-Suspension "Category:Tires and Suspension") [Article SummaryX](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#summary_wrapper) To check your tire tread, put a penny into any tread groove upside down so Abraham Lincoln’s head is inside the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, you may need to replace your tire. You can also perform the same test using George Washington’s head on a quarter. Alternatively, look for the treadwear indicator bars, which are located at the bottom of the tread grooves throughout your tire Then, check if the bar is flush with the adjacent ribs, which means your tire needs replacing. For tips on how to use a tread depth gauge, read on\! Did this summary help you? Yes No - [Print](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) - [Send fan mail to authors](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 49,308 times. ## Reader Success Stories -  Hasheer Syed Oct 29, 2020 "Very informative and pictures save a thousand words." [Share your story](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread) ## Did this article help you? Yes No [](https://www.wikihow.com/Tech-Help-Pro?utm_source=wikihow&utm_medium=bottom&utm_campaign=tech_v12) Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our [cookie policy](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Cookie-Policy).  Co-authored by: [Jason Shackelford](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford) Auto Technician Co-authors: 6 Updated: January 30, 2026 Views: 49,308 95% of readers found this article **helpful**. 17 votes - 95% Click a star to add your vote  Hasheer Syed Oct 29, 2020 "Very informative and pictures save a thousand words." 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- [Using the Penny Test](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#Using-the-Penny-Test) - [Using the Quarter Test](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#Using-the-Quarter-Test) - [Examining the Treadwear Indicator Bar](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#Examining-the-Treadwear-Indicator-Bar) - [Using a Tread Depth Gauge](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#Using-a-Tread-Depth-Gauge) - [Video](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#Video) - [Expert Interview](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#expertinterview) - [Expert Q\&A](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#qa_headline) - [Tips](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#tips) A tire becomes legally worn out when its tread depth reaches two thirty-second (2/32) of an inch, according to most jurisdictions throughout North America. To lower your risk for vehicular accidents associated with low tire tread, check your tire tread using the penny test, the quarter test, by examining the treadwear indicator bars molded into your tires, or using a tread depth gauge. 1. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-1.jpg) 2. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-2.jpg) [\[1\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#_note-1) Advertisement 3. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-3.jpg) Your tires are considered safe and legal if a portion of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread. However, if you can see Lincoln’s entire head after inserting the penny into the groove, you may need to replace your tire. 4. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-4.jpg) If Lincoln’s head is visible in any groove, the tire may need replacing. 1. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-5.jpg) 2. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-6.jpg) [\[2\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#_note-2) 3. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-7.jpg) If a portion of Washington's head is always covered by the tread, your tire has more than four thirty-second of an inch of tread depth remaining, which indicates your tires are still in good condition.[\[3\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#_note-3) 4. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-8.jpg) If Washington’s entire head is visible in any groove, you may need to replace the tire. 1. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-9.jpg) These “bars” are located at the bottom of tread grooves in various locations all over your tire, and can help you visibly determine whether your tire tread is low.[\[4\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#_note-4) 2. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-10.jpg) If so, this means your tire tread measures in at two thirty-second of an inch, and the tire should be replaced. 1. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-11.jpg) Most models of tread depth gauges cost between \$3 and \$8 from any auto parts retail store. 2. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-12.jpg) 3. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-13.jpg) 4. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-14.jpg) 5. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-15.jpg) 6. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#/Image:Check-Tire-Tread-Step-16.jpg) This allows you to find out whether any grooves in your tire measure higher than two thirty-second of an inch, and whether your tire needs replacing. Search [Add New Question]() - Question How can I prolong the life of my car's tires? [](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford) Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford) Auto Technician Expert Answer I recommend incorporating an annual tire rotation into your maintenance routine and regularly checking tire pressure. This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of your car tires but also helps prevent undesirable tread wear, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. [Submit]() Advertisement ## Video - Consider replacing your tire if its tread depth measures in at four thirty-second of an inch if you frequently drive in rainy or snowy conditions. This can help prevent your tires from losing traction or hydroplaning on wet roads due to low tire tread. Thanks Thanks for submitting a tip for review\! Advertisement [](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#wh-dialog-sample_103ce23b732b926d52129ee2fde5481a) Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car maintenance, check out our in-depth [interview](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#wh-dialog-sample_103ce23b732b926d52129ee2fde5481a) with [Jason Shackelford](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jason-Shackelford). ## References About This Article [Article SummaryX](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread#summary_wrapper) To check your tire tread, put a penny into any tread groove upside down so Abraham Lincoln’s head is inside the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, you may need to replace your tire. You can also perform the same test using George Washington’s head on a quarter. Alternatively, look for the treadwear indicator bars, which are located at the bottom of the tread grooves throughout your tire Then, check if the bar is flush with the adjacent ribs, which means your tire needs replacing. For tips on how to use a tread depth gauge, read on\! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 49,308 times. Reader Success Stories -  Hasheer Syed Oct 29, 2020 "Very informative and pictures save a thousand words." ## Did this article help you?