As we move toward the wet weather here in the Enumclaw area, one of the most critical things you can do for your safety is a quick, simple inspection of your tires. When the roads get slick, the difference between a controlled drive and a scary slide often comes down to one thing: tread depth.

Your tires’ treads are designed to push water out from under the tire. When the tread is too shallow, your tires can’t disperse that water fast enough, leading to hydroplaning—the terrifying loss of steering and braking control.

A couple of minutes and a penny are all you need to check your rainy-day readiness.

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How to Perform the Penny Test (It’s that simple!)

You don’t need a fancy gauge; you just need to borrow a coin from your pocket for a minute.

1. Find a Penny: Grab a regular penny.
2. Locate the Tread: Find a main groove on your tire’s tread (not a wear bar).
3. Insert Lincoln: Turn the penny so Abraham Lincoln’s head is pointing toward the tire. Insert the penny, head-first and upside-down, into the groove.
4. Check for Visibility: Observe how much of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tire tread.

The Safety Rule: What You Should See

• You’re in Great Shape (Good Grip): If the tread covers any part of Lincoln’s head—meaning some of his hair is hidden—you have a healthy amount of tread.
• It’s Time to Act (Risk Zone): If you can see the very top of Lincoln’s head, including the space above his hair, you have less than the legally recommended 3/22​ of an inch of tread.

If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tires are nearing the end of their service life and will not perform safely when facing heavy rain and standing water. Don’t risk it!

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Why Tire Tread Matters in the Northwest

Here at Art Gamblin Motors, we know our drivers rely on their vehicles to handle everything the Pacific Northwest weather throws at us. Checking your tread isn’t just a maintenance chore—it’s a proactive step in protecting yourself and your family.

Low tread means:

• Longer Braking Distances: Especially on wet roads.
• Increased Hydroplaning Risk: That scary loss of control at speed.
• Reduced Handling: Your car won’t corner or steer as predictably.

Please check all four tires. Your tires wear differently, so check the outside, inside, and middle of each tire.

If your penny test fails, or if you simply want a professional confirmation before the season truly hits, don’t hesitate. Swing by Art Gamblin Motors in Enumclaw. Our certified technicians will gladly inspect your tires, check the pressure, and ensure your vehicle is prepped and safe for the rain ahead.

Don’t let a two-second check turn into a major road hazard. We’re here to keep you safely on the road!

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Need a professional inspection or new tires? Schedule your service appointment with the trusted team at Art Gamblin Motors today!

Link to Gamblin’s service Department

Gamblin’s Service phone number: 866-902-8068