Tire tread depth when new
Hi Cruise America say they will replace tires if less than 50% wear. So what is the new tire depth, so as to understand what 50% is? Thanks
Forum Discussion
The standard, at manufacturers and dealers, for 50% wear is not usually 1/2 of original depth, rather 1/2 way between original depth and minimum depth as indicated by the wear bars, usually 2/32 inch. Of course, these guys want to sell you new tires as soon as possible.
Legal minimum depths can be as high as 4/32 for commercial heavy truck steer tires, or as low as 1/32 (e.g. California inspection standard for private passenger vehicles).
Original tread depths might be as shallow as 6/32 for performance tires for passenger cars (possibly even less for tires with very high speed ratings) to more than 13/32 for commercial truck and trailer tires with lower speed ratings.
Legal minimum depths can be as high as 4/32 for commercial heavy truck steer tires, or as low as 1/32 (e.g. California inspection standard for private passenger vehicles).
Original tread depths might be as shallow as 6/32 for performance tires for passenger cars (possibly even less for tires with very high speed ratings) to more than 13/32 for commercial truck and trailer tires with lower speed ratings.
