Tire Tread Test

469697297Tire tread helps keep your car stable and from slipping on ice or wet road conditions. Tire tread, or traction, gets worn down over time. When your traction is too worn down, water and snow get packed down on your tire and create dangerous driving conditions. Roadway insurance wants you to check your tires before driving this winter. Remember, safe drivers can save money on auto insurance.

Having tires with good traction is essential for driving safety. But did you know that many states actually require your tires to have at least 2/32” tread depth to be road safe? If your tire tread is worn down, it may be time to get new tires. Roadway Auto Insurance of Maryland wants you to drive safe this winter season, check your tire tread before your next road trip.

So how do you know if your tread is worn and it is time for new tires? Roadway recommends trying the penny or quarter test.

The Penny Tread Test

Find a penny and go out to your car. Position the penny so that Abe Lincoln’s head is upside down. With Lincoln’s head upside down place the penny in a groove of your tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible it is time for new tires because your traction is less that 2/32”. If you can not see Lincoln’s head, your tires are good to go.

The Quarter Tread Test

There are some auto professionals who will suggest performing the same test, but with a quarter. Washington’s head will test if your tires have at least 4/32” traction left, the recommended tread for driving in wet or icy road conditions. Remember, the more tread you have, the better traction control you have. Make sure you replace your tires when your tread gets too low for safe driving.

Roadway Insurance is a local top area provider of Maryland Auto Insurance Fund policies. Contact one of our convenient locations for more information. Roadway provides auto, commercial and motorcycle insurance to all residents of Maryland and the DC metro area.


Roadway Auto Insurance

301.476.1183