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Ford Mustang and Mustang GT 1994-2014: How to Check Tire Tread

Read on to learn how checking the tire tread on your Ford Mustang can keep you and your family safe on the road.

By Charlie Gaston - September 23, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang and Mustang GT (1994-2014).

Maintaining a safe amount of tire tread on your Ford Mustang is important for a number of reasons. First, maintaining optimum tire tread will improve your fuel economy and save you money at the pump. Second, maintaining at least 4/32" to 6/32" of remaining tread depth can dramatically reduce your risk for a collision, particularly when traveling on wet, sleek or snow-covered roads. The law requires you to maintain at least 2/32" of tread depth; however, it's important to note that this is the absolute minimum allowed.

Materials Needed

  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Penny
  • Quarter

Step 1 – Check your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

  • For 1994-2014 Mustangs, you will notice an orange exclamation point that appears on your dashboard when one or more of your tires is experiencing low tire pressure or low tire tread. Have your vehicle serviced immediately. You can either visit a local mechanic or visit a local fuel station, where you can use a tire pressure gauge to determine how much pressure is in your tires.
  • Once you've verified that you have sufficient tire pressure, go ahead and check your tire tread. Remember, comprehensive tire maintenance is needed to avoid a blowout.
Figure 1. Take immediate action when this light comes on.

Step 2 – Check using a penny

  • Insert a penny between two groove treads along the tire. Make sure Lincoln's head is facing toward the tire and is upside down.
  • Check the top portion of your tire; however, it's recommended that you check multiple locations on each tire for the most accurate assessment of overall tire wear.
  • At least part of Lincoln's head should be covered. If it is not, you have less than 2/32" of remaining tire tread and will need to replace your tire immediately.
  • Check at least two to three additional spots.
  • This time, turn the penny so it is facing away from you; in other words, you should see the Lincoln Memorial.
  • If top of the Lincoln Memorial is covered, your tires are in good shape and you have at least 6/32" in remaining tread depth.
Figure 2. Check your tire tread every 3k to 5k miles.

Pro Tip

It's not necessary to jack up your Mustang to perform this step; however, you will need to be at ground level to work.

Step 3 – Perform the quarter test

  • Considered an alternative to the penny test, the quarter test also allows you to test tread depth.
  • Insert an upside down quarter (Washington's face should be facing you, however) into the two groove treads running along the top of the tire.
  • If part of Washington's head is covered, which is equivalent to 4/32" of remaining tread depth, you'll want to make a few considerations.
  • While 4/32" of remaining tread depth is good, it might not be sufficient when driving on wet roads.
  • Check additional areas on your tires to determine if your tires are safe to operate in the type of weather that is most common where you live.
  • For example, if you live in a snow-covered areas, even having 5/32" of remaining tread depth could be too low.
Figure 3. Lincoln versus Washington.

Featured Video: 2015 Mustang Tire Pressure Monitor System Tutorial

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