2006-12-15 03:54:42 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Most passenger car tires come new with a tread depth of 10 or 11/32-inch. Molded into the tread at various points are "wear bars". When you tread is worn down to the same height as these bars it will be at 2/32-inch deep, which in most locale's is considered the legal minimum tread depth. However, and especially if you live in an area that see's a lot of rain or snow a tire will start to lose a significant amount of traction once the tread is worn down to 4/32-inch. This is the point where i would normally recommend replacement.
The Lincoln's head on a penny test is pretty low-rent but it works OK for testing the legal limit. It is better to have the tread measured all the way across using a tread depth guage, however. These are simple little devices that any tire shop will have in abundance. Far more precise than the penny test and the guy or gal behind the counter should be more than happy to check your tires for free while you watch.
Cracking is BTW, normal age-related wear and tear and not always a good indicator of whether or not a tire should be replaced.
2006-12-15 04:07:58 · answer #1 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Checking the tread is one good way to know if you need to change your tires. Take a penny and put it head side down in the tread of your tire. If you can see all of Lincoln's head then you need new tires.
2006-12-15 03:59:37 · answer #2 · answered by bsebl12 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take a penny and turn lincolns head upside down, stick it in the tread and if you can see the any of the flat part above his head anywhere on the tire it is bad. Check the inside tread and outside. Look for wheather checking or cracks in the sidewalls!
2006-12-15 07:00:27 · answer #3 · answered by Andrew P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically, when you are trying to brake and your car still moves a little. Basically, when you can not see any tread left on your tire. If you see bald spots on your tires then you need to change them.
2006-12-15 03:58:16 · answer #4 · answered by Ashley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put a penny (upside down) in the tread. If all of Lincoln head shows, you need new tires. If part is covered you're OK
2006-12-15 04:00:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The old Lincolns head thing is BS. Unless you like hydroplaning, that's way too shallow for the tread to get.
2006-12-15 08:21:41 · answer #6 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is the lug nut a three/4 or 13/16 socket? visit factors abode and purchase a first wheel lock remover socket. Hammer it onto the rounded out nut and eliminate the lock nut. you are able to also visit tire save and get the nut bumped off.
2016-11-26 21:08:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
take a dime put it in the tread area if you see more then 1/2 of the coin they should be replaced or ask a professional to check them for you
2006-12-15 04:01:43 · answer #8 · answered by topgunpilot22 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,and you can take a penny,and sick it in the tread,,if you can see any,or all of Lincolns head ,,they need to be replaced ,,this how all the tire shops really do it,good luck,i hope this help,s.,,have a good x-mas.
2006-12-15 04:00:03 · answer #9 · answered by dodge man 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if you lookat the walls of the tires and the have little cracks in them the need to be changed
2006-12-15 04:03:27 · answer #10 · answered by mike p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋