Learn how to check your tire tread simply using a penny in this useful blog entry prepared by the tire change and roadside assistance experts here at Chicago Towing!

Tire tread penny test

Insert a penny vertically between two of your tires grooves so that the face of Abraham Lincoln is looking straight ahead of you. Look at Abraham Lincoln’s head position. If you can see Abraham Lincoln’s face, your tire tread is low and you should replace your tires. If you cannot see the President’s face, your tire tread is still in good or adequate condition. 

Consequences of low tire tread

If you see that your tire tread is low, it’s essential that you perform tire replacement. Otherwise, not only are you putting yourself in danger, but you’re putting other people on the road around you in danger. Low tire treads have very little traction on the road. So, in wet or slippery conditions, they can rapidly cause vehicles to skid out of control as they slow down or completely mess with normal braking operations. Driving in rain or snow is incredibly dangerous with vehicles with low tire tread, as it can rapidly cause vehicles to spin out of control, veer off the road, or smash into other cars. Short, low tire tread also reduces the level of fuel efficiency in your vehicle, which will end up costing you much more money and gasoline. 

Do you need emergency help with tires? Contact Chicago Towing today for rapid arrival 24 hour roadside assistance and tire delivery services throughout the entire Greater Chicago area. Our experienced technicians are around 24/7, and prepared to travel directly to your location in order to provide you whatever service you need, to get you back on the road, completely safe, as soon as possible. Chicago Towing operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and every day and day of the year. You can constantly rely on us.