When it comes to staying safe on the roads of Nebraska, your tires matter more than you may think. Whether you’re driving through Lincoln, Omaha, Plattsmouth, Grand Island, York, Kearney, Holdrege, etc., basically any roads across the state, proper tire tread can make a huge difference in stopping distance, traction, and overall vehicle safety.
One of the most well-known ways to check tire tread is the “penny tire trick”. But does it actually work, and should drivers still rely on it today?
What is the “Penny Tire Trick”?
The penny tire trick is an old-school, quick, and simple way to estimate your tire tread depth at home. Here is how the trick works:
- Take a standard U.S. penny coin.
- Insert the penny coin into your tire tread with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing downward.
- If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is likely too low and it may be time to replace your tires.
This method is based on the recommended minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch.
Why Tire Tread Matters In Nebraska
If you grew up in Nebraska, you know that Nebraska drivers experience a wide variety of road conditions throughout the year. From heavy rain and summer heat to icy winter roads and rural gravel roads, worn tires can create dangerous driving situations.
Good tire tread helps your vehicle with the following: maintain traction during rain and snow, reduce the risk of hydroplaning, increase overall handling and control, and support better fuel efficiency.
If your tires are worn down, your vehicle may not respond as safely during emergency braking or changing weather conditions.
Is The Penny Test Still Recommended?
The penny test is a helpful starting point, but automotive dealerships, modern tire experts, and mechanics recommend using a tread depth gauge for a more accurate reading. Janssen Auto Group locations will suggest you replace tires before they reach the minimum, especially for Nebraska drivers who regularly encounter snow, ice, or wet roads.
As a general guideline:
- 6/32″ tread depth: Good condition
- 4/32″ tread depth: Consider replacement soon
- 2/32″ tread depth: Replace immediately
If you’re unsure about your tire’s condition, Janssen Auto Group’s automotive technicians can provide professional tire inspections that can provide you with peace of mind.
Signs That Your Tires May Need Replacement
In addition to low tire tread depth, drivers should watch for: uneven tread wear, cracks in the sidewalls, bulges or bubbles, frequent loss of air pressure, vibrations while driving, and tires that are older than six years.
These signs may indicate your tires are no longer safe for everyday driving.
Tire Service for Drivers Across Nebraska
Regular tire inspections and maintenance can help extend the life of your tires and improve vehicle safety year-round. Rotations, alignments, balancing, and proper inflation all play an important role in protecting your investment.
At Janssen Auto Group, with locations across Nebraska, our service teams can inspect your tires, measure tread depth, and help you determine whether it’s time for replacement. We proudly serve drivers throughout Nebraska with professional automotive care and trusted service.
Schedule Tire Service Today
f you’re concerned about your tire tread or preparing for seasonal driving conditions, now is a great time to schedule a tire inspection. Our team at Janssen Auto Group is here to help keep your vehicle safe and road-ready no matter where Nebraska roads take you.
Contact your nearest Janssen Auto Group dealership location today to schedule tire service or learn more about our current tire specials.
Leasing or Financing? Which is better?
There are two types of people that walk into a dealership.
The first prefers the lowest monthly payment possible.
The second prefers to own a vehicle outright.
Both are sensible choices, there is no wrong answer, both can be right.
The trouble begins when shoppers compare leasing and financing as if one is “good” and the other is “bad”. That’s just not the case. The real question is this: “Which one fits the actual way you live?”
Why So Many Drivers in Nebraska Choose Leasing.
Leasing is a popular choice in Nebraska for one simple reason, people like driving newer vehicles.
They like the new car smell, the state-of-the-art technology, the warranty coverage, and the confidence that comes from knowing they are unlikely to face an expensive repair bill next week.
With a lease, you are essentially paying for the portion of the vehicle you use during a set period of time… usually, two or three years.
That often means benefits such as:
- Lower monthly payments
- Less money due upfront
- Access to a higher trim level or newer model
- Easier upgrades every few years
A customer who could comfortably finance a mid-level sedan may be able to lease a luxury SUV for a similar monthly payment.
That’s not a loophole, it’s just simply how depreciation works.
And for many people, leasing makes perfect sense.
- Drive moderate miles
- Prefer newer vehicles
- Want predictable costs
- Enjoy upgrading often
- Use your vehicle for business purposes.
…leasing can be remarkably efficient.
Particularly if you are the sort of person who gets restless driving the same vehicle for seven years.
The Hidden Advantages Of Financing in Nebraska.
Now, let’s talk about ownership.
There is something deeply satisfying about making the final payment on a vehicle and knowing it belongs entirely to you.
No mileage restrictions, no lease-end inspections, no monthly payments once the loan is finished.
Financing is slower gratification, but often greater long-term value.
When you finance a vehicle, every payment builds equity. Eventually, you own an asset you can trade, sell, or continue driving payment-free.
That changes the economics dramatically.
The person who finances a vehicle and keeps it for ten years will usually spend less over time than the person who leases continuously.
Why? Because eventually the financed vehicle gets very inexpensive to own. And that is where financially disciplined buyers often win.
So Which Is Better?
The honest answer is this: Leasing is better for some people. Financing is better for others.
The mistake is choosing emotionally instead of strategically.
Here is a useful rule of thumb:
Leasing may be smarter if you:
- Love new technology and features
- Want lower monthly payments
- Drive fewer miles annually
- Prefer warranty coverage
- Like changing vehicles frequently
Financing may be smarter if you:
- Drive a lot
- Plan to keep the vehicle long-term
- Want to build equity
- Prefer complete ownership
- Dislike ongoing monthly obligations
Neither choice is automatically “the better deal.” The better deal is the one aligned with your habits.
The Question Most Buyers Forget to Ask
Too many shoppers focus exclusively on the monthly payment.
Experienced buyers look at something else:
How long will I realistically keep this vehicle?
If the answer is two or three years, leasing deserves serious consideration.
If the answer is eight years, financing usually makes more sense.
Nebraska customers do not want pressure. They want clarity.
At a Janssen Auto Group dealership, you’ll find clarity. The right dealership does not push every customer toward leasing or financing. It helps them understand the tradeoffs clearly enough to make the right decision for themselves. And when that happens, everybody wins.
If you’re in the market to upgrade your vehicle. Fill out our trade appraisal form and we will contact you back.
The world of automotive technology is changing at speed, and the line between “mechanic” and “high-tech engineer” is fading with it. In 2026, Janssen Auto Group remains at the forefront in Nebraska, preparing the next generation of technicians not just to keep up, but to lead.
By combining high school partnerships with advanced certification pathways, Janssen is redefining how automotive skills are taught, showing that the best place to understand today’s vehicles isn’t in a lecture hall, but under the hood of a modern automotive dealership.
The Classroom in the Shop: High School Partnerships
At the heart of Janssen Auto Group’s educational efforts is its Automotive Technician Program, housed within the Janssen & Sons Ford shop in Holdrege, Nebraska. What began as the “Pistons to Pathways” initiative has grown into a standout model for building skilled talent in rural communities.
Here, local high school juniors and seniors trade traditional classrooms for active service bays. Through a partnership with Central Community College (CCC) and ESU 11, students earn dual credits, advancing toward both their high school diploma and a college degree at the same time.
This program has many benefits:
Tuition-Free Access: With continued backing from the Phelps County Development Corporation, students can take part in this high-level training without the weight of tuition.
Hands-On Learning: This isn’t theory alone, students train alongside Janssen’s Master Technicians, using the same diagnostic equipment found in today’s current vehicles.
A Running Start: By graduation, many students have already earned close to a semester of college credit, about 12 credits, putting them well ahead of the curve.
Beyond the Basics: The GM ASEP Path
For those determined to turn interest into expertise, Janssen champions the GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP). This is no ordinary mechanic course, it’s a direct route to becoming a GM-certified specialist.
Over two years, students move between classroom learning and paid, hands-on experience in a Janssen dealership. Along the way, they gain command of the complex electrical systems, hybrid technologies, and advanced safety features that shape today’s vehicles.
Building a Local Legacy
Janssen Auto Group’s approach is built on a straightforward idea: develop talent from within. By investing in students from Holdrege and nearby communities, Janssen is helping ensure that customers are served by highly trained, capable technicians.
From high school students uncovering a knack for engines to aspiring professionals learning the latest GM technology, Janssen’s 2026 programs go beyond traditional education, they mark the beginning of a strong, career-focused future.
In The News
The ongoing success of Janssen Auto Group’s technician training is a result of a robust collaboration between industry and education. Reports from Central Community College (CCC) highlight the program’s role in creating seamless career pathways, while news from the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) confirms continued scholarship support and investment in local technical talent. Additionally, the program’s growth is frequently featured by Nebraska TV (KHGI), showcasing the real-world impact of classes held at Janssen & Sons Ford for students from Holdrege and surrounding school districts.
Preparing Your Car for Summer Driving in Nebraska.
Summer is just around the corner and that means long road trips, rising temperatures, and more time spent behind the wheel traveling. Whether you’re commuting through North Platte, taking a trip to Omaha, or exploring the open highways across the state, making sure your vehicle is ready for the heat is essential.
At Janssen Auto Group, we help drivers across Nebraska stay safe, cool, and road ready all summer long. Here’s how to prepare your car for the summer season.
1. Make Sure Your A/C Can Handle The Heat
Nebraska summers can get hot and humid, especially in August, and your air conditioning system needs to be up to the task. If your A/C isn’t blowing cold air or struggles to keep up, it may need servicing.
Be sure to keep a lookout for: weak airflow, warm air instead of cold air, and/or strange odors. If you notice any of these, it’s time to schedule a service appointment at your nearest Janssen Auto Group location.
2. Check Your Tires
High temperatures can increase tire pressure and wear, especially during long drives across Nebraska highways.
Before hitting the road: check tire pressure, inspect tread depth, and look for uneven wear or cracks. Well-maintained tires improve safety and fuel efficiency.
3. Test Your Battery
While winter is tough on car batteries, summer heat can be just as damaging. High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate, reducing performance and lifespan.
If your battery is over three years old, that’s 36 months, it’s a great idea to have it tested to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
4. Top Off The Essential Fluids
Your vehicle depends on several fluids to stay lubricated, regulate temperatures, and operate smoothly. Make sure to check and top off: engine coolant, motor oil, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
Keeping fluids at proper levels helps prevent overheating, one of the most common summer car issues.
5. Replace Worn Wiper Blades
Summer storms in Nebraska can roll in quickly. If your wipers leave streaks or skip across the windshield, replace them before you get caught in heavy rain.
Clear visibility is crucial for safe driving, especially on highways and rural roads.
6. Get Ready for Nebraska Road Trips
From weekend getaways to cross-state drives, summer is peak road trip season in Nebraska.
Before you go on a road trip: pack an emergency kit, check brakes and lights, inspect belts and hoses, schedule a pre-road trip service inspection.
A quick check now can save you time and stress later.
7. Thinking About an Upgrade? Summer Is a Great Time
f your current vehicle isn’t meeting your needs, summer is the perfect time to upgrade.
At Janssen Auto Group, we offer a wide selection of vehicles for Nebraska drivers, including: fuel-efficient sedans for daily commuting, spacious SUVs for families, and durable trucks for work and recreation.
Explore our inventory of pre-owned cars in Nebraska or check out the latest new models built for performance and comfort from Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram.
Stay Safe on Nebraska Roads This Summer
Preparing your vehicle for summer helps you avoid breakdowns and enjoy every mile of the journey. Whether you need maintenance, repairs, or a new ride, Janssen Auto Group is here to help.
Visit us today, schedule a service appointment, or take a test drive—Janssen Auto Group is ready to keep you moving all summer long.
When customers purchased a vehicle from Janssen GMC of North Platte over the past few months of 2026, they did more than drive home in something new. They helped support a place that matters deeply to the community.
Janssen GMC set aside $50 from every vehicle sold.
The result: $3,450 was donated to the North Platte Children’s Museum.
As the museum works toward expanding into a new location, we’re proud to contribute to its future and continued impact. North Platte has always supported Janssen GMC, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to return that support in a meaningful way.
We also want to thank our customers, this donation was made possible because of you. Every vehicle purchase during this time helped make a difference.
To read more about this initiative and its impact, check out the full coverage from the local newspaper.
