06/08/2026
📚 THE PENNY TEST: How to check your tire tread in 10 seconds.
Step 1: Grab a penny from your pocket.
Step 2: Insert Lincoln's head into the tire tread groove, head-first.
Step 3: Look at how much of Lincoln's head is visible.
✅ Can't see the top of Lincoln's head? — Tread is good.
⚠️ Lincoln's ENTIRE head is visible? — Your tread is at or below 2/32". Replace your tires NOW.
Bonus tip: Use a quarter for an earlier warning. If you can see above Washington's head, you're getting close to 4/32" — where wet-road braking performance starts declining significantly.
For East Tennessee drivers who deal with regular rain and mountain roads, 4/32" is when we'd recommend planning for new tires.
We offer free tire inspections at Compton's Muffler & Tire in Morristown. Come in anytime.
📞 (423) 317-8473