Posted by David on October 14, 1998 at 07:38:56:
In Reply to: How worn down can you let a tire go??? posted by Arn on October 13, 1998 at 10:12:51:
Arn: It comes down to praticality and saftey. The wear bars are at 2/32 tread depth. But that is really a guide (as well as the legal minimum tread depth). As your tires wear down and have less tread depth the have less ability to do things as well as they did when they were new (full tread); with some exceptions. The main issue is their ability to resist hydroplaning - or maintain traction and control in wet road conditions. They is also slightly diminished ride comfort. The exceptions are that they perform slightly better in dry conditions and with correct air presure could provide fractionaly better rolling resistance resulting in fractionaly better fuel econmomy.
So depending upon your geographic area and typical climate/road conditions the tread depth you decide to replace your tires at prior to reaching the wear indicators is a personal choice issue. How safe do you want your vehicle to be. Regardless of manufactuer mileage warranties, 3 - 4 /32's tread depth remaining is a better replacement point for all round driving and saftey.
An old timers measurement check is a good old penny. Take the penny and insert it into the tread with Linclon's head down. There is approx. 2/32 between the edge of the penny and the top of Lincoln's head.