How to Check Your Tread Depth

Tire tread (the grooves on your tires) provides the traction that keeps your car connected to the road. It holds your car on curves and prevents hydroplaning in wet conditions. Proper tread depth can be a literal lifesaver, so use this simple penny test to make sure your tire tread is in good shape.

Stuff You Need:

A penny
Four tires
Nothing else, but lists are best in threes so just enjoy this extra bullet point

Step 1) Find the most worn groove in your tire. The grooves are the patterned ridges in your tires.

Step 2) Insert a penny into that groove. Make sure ol’ Honest Abe’s head is down and facing you.

Step 3) Check it out! If you can’t see the top of Abe’s head, you’re good to go! If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too worn and you should replace the tire! See the graphic below for reference.

A split image showing two scenarios: on the left, a coin is correctly placed upside-down with a checkmark, and on the right, the same coin is incorrectly oriented with a red 'X.' This illustration emphasizes the importance of correct orientation in volunteer and community service tasks.

Print tire flyers!

Join thousands of young people, and help your friends save money and stay safe on the road! Print and place our tire flyers under your friend's windshield wipers.

DoSomething.org is the largest not-for-profit exclusively for young people and social change. Our digital platform is activating 6 million young people (and counting!) to create offline impact in every US area code and in 131 countries.

Logos of organizations promoting volunteerism, community service, and civic engagement, including 'Do Something,' 'Cooperatives,' and 'Tread Wisely.' These affiliations showcase opportunities for individuals to get involved in impactful community initiatives.

GET INVOLVED

Make a difference in your community and add your vision to the future of our democracy