Forum Discussion

Padlin's avatar
Padlin
Explorer
Jun 24, 2015

Tire Wear

Getting ready for a 6-7k mile trip, the tires on the truck have 36k on them. They measure 8/32nds vs 15/32nds when new (the spare).

The old standby method is using a penny to show worn out tires at 2/32, and the newer call (TireRack) to change them at 4/32nds usesg a quarter instead of a penny. Using the more conservative 4/32 and my measurements I should be able to get about another 15k out of mine.

Think this pertains to TV tires as well as non TV? Or should I bite the bullet and replace them before we head to the national parks in Utah where I'm guessing tires can be harder to come by.
Tow Vehicles
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Jun 26, 2015
    Turtle n Peeps wrote:
    On a dry road you will get better traction the less tread you have. You will also get better handling with less tread.

    IMHO you have plenty of tread left even on wet roads. I'd runem.


    :h

    Sorry respectively disagree, newer tires get better traction in all conditions.

    We do agree that there is enough tread for wet weather.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jun 26, 2015
    What kind of a question is this? You have 50% tread left on your tires and asking if you should replace them.
    Ummm, if you what to.
    But why waste extra wear on new tires, first half of tread wears faster, especially in the heat and heavy loads.
    If it was winter or going off roading then yes maybe, but not for a summer drive.
  • gmw_photos's avatar
    gmw_photos
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2015
    And again, I am very conservative. I never run tires down to the "end of life". I usually replace them when they are down to around 5/32 to 6/32.
    The "better dry traction of less tread depth" means little to me on the street. Heavy rain traction is what I am concerned about, and around here where I live, downpouring rain is common. I want good tread depth.
    But then I'm also the guy that replaces all hoses and belts under the hood at 75K miles too, etc, so take what I say with huge grain of salt.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Jun 25, 2015
    I'm in the other camp...since you obviously have a concern, I'd go ahead and replace them before the trip.

    Give me a worry free, trouble free vacation anytime over one where I worry about the tires and if ONE of them goes, it'll cost you more than replacing them all now....just sayin....Dennis
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2015
    On a dry road you will get better traction the less tread you have. You will also get better handling with less tread.

    IMHO you have plenty of tread left even on wet roads. I'd runem.
  • sch911's avatar
    sch911
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2015
    If they have no signs of drying or rotting for sure you're good to go...

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