I was just wondering what's the best and easiest way to check to see if you need tires? I heard of a way to put a penny in the thread and see how much is left, but I never really got that, because when I did that, the tires were still fine--but the penny said I needed tires


So what do you guys' do? :scratch:



abel

 

Over here, it is a legal requirement to have 3mm of tread ($1800 fine for each illegal tire ) . Almost everyone I know has a tyre tread gauge to check when they need new ones.
If you have main brand tires, check the outside of the tire and see if there are wear marks. I know we have them here.

HTH

James

 

Thanx, I guess I will go to AutoZone sometime and pick up a tire gauge ;*)

 

3mm (1/8") is the bare minimum for a tire.. by then the wear indicators are flush with the tread. (wear indicators are raised horizontal bars on the tire).

 

you'll know when you need tires if they pop doing a burn out...........then you didnt have enough tread! HAHA but yeah they sell a guage it should be like $1 maybe $2 but with the penny i believe you stick it in the tread head first and as long as the tread is deaper than abe's hair line you are fine

 

Galaxie is right, just about all tires are molded with tire wear indicators on them. They show up at about 2/32's or so. There is no need for a tread depth gauge or a penny. Look for the indicators on the sidewall. If its above the treadwear indicator, the tire has at least the minimum acceptable tread depth. If the tread has worn down to the treadwear indicators, the tire is crap. It needs to be replaced.

 

Good info, thanks alot to you guys'...I am going to check for the indicators on my tire right now, to see if I can locate them!

 

Here's a link to explain the whole checking tread with a coin thing. The pictures might make it a little clearer for you. Tirerack.com

In most states, 2/32" is the legal minimum. The wear bars will be flush with the tread at 2/32". But by the time you're worn down to 4/32" (Approx. 3mm) wet traction will be pretty bad.

 

If television and film have taught me anything, kicking a tire will tell you its pressure, tread amount, gas left in the tank, oil temperature, and refill your windshield wiper fluid.

 

It even fills the windshield wiper fluid? No way, I knew it did the others, but never knew about that one! I feel like a little kid at Christmas now












BTW - - Thanx DanS. Good link...I understood what was going on, just never really thought I was doing it correctly... :shock: Anywho, I guess I will just check for the wear bars!

 

Just remember the wear bars tell you that you're basically past the point when the tires should be replaced, not that it's almost time to start thinking about it.

 

Yes Sir...Thank You!