Automotive Calculators
Tire Tread Depth Checker
Enter your tire's tread depth in 32nds of an inch to see how it compares to safety and legal minimum thresholds.
5/32"
Wet-traction performance declining — plan to replace soon
2/32" is the legal minimum tread depth in most US states (the classic "penny test" — if you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace). Many safety experts recommend replacing earlier, around 4/32", since wet traction drops noticeably before hitting the legal minimum.
How to use this tool
- 1Measure tread depth with a gauge or the penny test.
- 2Enter the depth in 32nds of an inch.
- 3See the safety assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the penny test?+
Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down — if you can see all of his head, tread depth is at or below 2/32", the common legal minimum in most US states.