Video lessons · Unit 13: Your car, road-ready

The Penny Test

Would your tires pass the penny test? Grandpa explains it in one minute.

What you'll learn

• Hold on, kiddo. Before you leave, walk around the car: tires, lights, and clean windows.
• Check tire pressure cold, using the sticker on the door. Not the number on the tire.
• Put a penny in the groove, head down. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires.
• Red warning light on the dash: pull over soon. Amber: get it checked soon. Don't cover it with tape.
• With ice or snow, scrape ALL the windows and the roof. You're not driving through a peephole.
• Take care of your car and it takes care of you. And it's cheaper than a tow truck.

Test yourself: 5 exam-style questions

1. 1. Before you get in the car, what's worth checking with a quick walk around it?

   1. Only the gas level and the oil change sticker
   2. Tires, lights, glass, and nothing behind it
   3. Only that the radio and the A/C both work
   4. Nothing, the shop checks all that once a year
   Show answer

   Answer: Tires, lights, glass, and nothing behind it

   A quick lap around the car, kiddo. Tires, lights, glass, and no kid or pet behind it.

2. 2. Where do you find the right air pressure for your tires?

   1. The maximum number printed on the tire's sidewall
   2. Whatever looks right when you kick the tire
   3. Whatever the gas station air machine suggests
   4. On the label in the driver's door frame
   Show answer

   Answer: On the label in the driver's door frame

   The door label says what your car needs, checked cold. The sidewall only shows the maximum.

3. 3. You're about to start an automatic car. How do you do it?

   1. In reverse, so it can't roll forward
   2. Foot on the gas, shifter in Drive
   3. In neutral while pressing the gas
   4. Foot on the brake, shifter in Park
   Show answer

   Answer: Foot on the brake, shifter in Park

   Foot on the brake and in Park. That way the car can't get away from you.

4. 4. What's smart to always keep in the car in case you break down?

   1. Triangles, a flashlight, jumper cables, water
   2. Just your phone, that's all you'll ever need
   3. Nothing, the tow truck brings everything
   4. An extra can of gas inside the passenger area
   Show answer

   Answer: Triangles, a flashlight, jumper cables, water

   A small kit can save your night: triangles, flashlight, cables, water, and first aid.

5. 5. You put a penny head-first into the tread and see ALL of Lincoln's head. What does it mean?

   1. The tire just needs a little more air
   2. The tire is brand new and in perfect shape
   3. You should rotate them, but they're fine for now
   4. The tread is worn out; replace the tire
   Show answer

   Answer: The tread is worn out; replace the tire

   See all of Lincoln? That's under 2/32 of an inch. Time for a new tire, kiddo.