ArticlesWhy the Penny Test Only Tells Part of the Story About Your Tires

When was the last time you checked your tires?

For many Texas drivers, it’s probably been a while, especially now that the state no longer requires annual vehicle safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles.

A lot of people still rely on the penny test, and while it can be a helpful starting point, it doesn’t always tell the full story about how your tires are wearing or how they’re performing on the road.

At Brake and Tire Check, we’ve been helping Texas drivers take care of their vehicles since 1968. One thing we’ve learned over the years: tire health is about more than a single tread measurement.

What Changed in Texas

As of January 1, 2025, House Bill 3297 eliminated safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles in Texas.

That means drivers are now a little more responsible for keeping an eye on things like tire condition, alignment wear, and overall vehicle safety between service visits.

The good news? A quick tire inspection can help catch issues early and help your tires last longer.

What the Penny Test Doesn’t Show You

Tires Don’t Always Wear Evenly

The penny test only checks one small spot on the tire.

But tires can wear differently across the inner edge, center, and outer edge. We often see tires that still look good from one angle but have uneven wear caused by alignment issues or suspension components.

That’s why checking multiple areas of the tire matters.

Tire Age Matters Too

Tread depth is important, but it’s not the only thing to pay attention to.

Texas heat can be tough on tires over time. Even tires with decent tread can begin showing signs of cracking or weather-related wear as they age.

You can check the age of your tires using the DOT number on the sidewall. The last four digits show the week and year the tire was manufactured. For example, “3223” means the 32nd week of 2023. Replace tires at six years if you see cracking, ten years maximum, regardless of appearance.

Road Conditions and Weather Play a Role

Heavy rain, long highway drives, potholes, and hot pavement all affect tire performance.

As tread gets lower, tires have a harder time moving water away from the road surface, especially during Texas storms. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows tires lose 50% of their traction on wet roads below 4/32″.

That’s one reason regular inspections can be helpful before uneven wear becomes a bigger issue.

A Better Way to Check Your Tires

A quarter test can give you a better idea of remaining tread depth than a penny test alone.

Insert the quarter with Washington’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread may be getting low enough that it’s worth having inspected.

It’s also a good idea to:

• Check multiple spots across each tire 
• Look for uneven wear patterns 
• Inspect sidewalls for cracking or damage 
• Pay attention to vibration, pulling, or changes in handling 

If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, that’s where a professional inspection can help.

Why Tire Inspections Matter

A tire inspection is about more than deciding whether you need new tires today.

It can help identify:

• uneven wear 
• alignment issues 
• suspension concerns 
• aging tires 
• repairable tire damage before replacement becomes necessary 

Sometimes a simple alignment correction can help extend the life of your tires and improve overall ride quality.

Get Your Tires Checked at Brake and Tire Check

At Brake and Tire Check, we make tire inspections simple and straightforward.

Our team checks tread depth across multiple points, looks for uneven wear patterns, checks tire age and condition, and walks you through what we find so you can make the decision that’s right for you.

Our Tire & Auto Services Include:

• Tires: New tire sales from trusted brands like Michelin, BFGoodrich, and Yokohama, plus value-focused options with FREE lifetime rotations, balancing, and air checks 
• Alignment Services: Hunter precision alignment technology with available 3-Year Alignment Warranty 
• Brake Service: Free brake inspections and Lifetime Brake Pad Warranty 
• Oil Change PRO: Conventional to full synthetic oil changes with a six-point inspection, including a free alignment check 

We’ve been doing it right since 1968 by keeping car care simple, fair, and easy to understand.

Stop by your nearest Brake and Tire Check location 7 days a week. Find your nearest location, we have over 60 shops across Texas. Walk-ins are always welcome.