Had my car at the local stealer today and was told that my rear tires were shot. I challenged him on it and pointed out that there was about 1/16th of inch between the top of the tread and the top of the "wear strip".

In reality, there seems like some decent tread left even when the strip is even with the tread. I typically drive them until the strips are just starting to wear even with the tread.

Am I pushing these tires too far? When do you replace them?

Curtis

 

Curtis, The issue here is water evacuation. The wear bars are at 2/32” tread depth, and it sounds like you’re about 3/32”. At 2/32”, the ability to evacuate water is limited. Do you drive in the rain? If so, start thinking about new tires. If not, push a little further, down to 2/32”.

I’m also assuming your wear is even, at 3/32 across the tread.

One more piece of advice: Don’t pay the “stealer” to replace tires. You’ll pay MUCH less at a tire shop. Call around and get your best price.

 

Hi Tom,
Thanks for the reply. No I certainly would never by tires from the dealer...Tirerack.com for me!

Thanks for the guidance on the tire wear...not much rain in Florida this time of year so I'll probably push them another 500-1000 miles....

Curtis

 

Personally,

I never pay much attention to those wear indicators, but that's only because annual rainfall is typically not much of a concern in SoCal. Too little tread depth is more a concern for those in wet climates (Tampa....hmmmm ); and less depth even aids grip in the dry. New tires depends on you, really. But as already stated, you'll get a better deal from other sources such as TireRack.

Edward

 

Curtis
Agree w/Tom & would add that you can go below the 2/32" point for dry use (e.g., use them up on the track) & provided you accept that wet performance deteriorates very rapidly as you get to the end of the tread depth. I notice a significant decrease in wet performance with 1/2 worn tires & therefore replace them well before I'm at the wear stips. Tires cost less than bodywork on the car or its occupants.

As to "not much rain in Florida this time of year," that may be so, but watch out for all those overactive, misaimed lawn sprinklers creating mini skid pads

 

Hey whats with the "stealer" comment? If you would like to compare, email your tirerack price, with size etc.....and see If i can save you a few $$

 

Also, check the wheel for wear from edge to edge. If you have camber on your wheels, it will be worn less on one edge than the other. What he talking about the "lower" wear bar or the higher one?

Jeff