Car Question (Tires)

How often are you suppose to get new tires?

When the tread on them is really worn down... You can do the penny test on them. Take a penny and put it upside-down in the tread... if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, time to replace that tire! And remember, only replace tires in sets of 2 or 4, never just an individual.

I just ask the tire guys when they change from summers to winters. Alternatively, you could ask the maintence guys when you have your oil changed if they look good.

I think too it depends on the make and model of vehicle and driving habits. And what kind of tires on the the vehicle now.
For all the explorers we had we never got new tires before 70k miles!! (that is why we traded last month!!) A mustang could have new tires by 25K. A few cars are at 35-40K
Also the brand of replacement tire you will buy should depend on how much longer you will be driving the vehicle. If you will have for another say 3 yrs get better tires or else you will be buying nice tires for the next owner. Car dealers do not give you a better price for your vehicle for better tires.

Originally Posted by GailC

A mustang could have new tires by 25K.

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How true... the rear tires on mine are Ecstas made of a really soft compound with a low tread wear rating. It eats those tires up like nothing.

Rotating them will get you longer life from your tires.
Found out this the hard way.

Originally Posted by Cougar

When the tread on them is really worn down... You can do the penny test on them. Take a penny and put it upside-down in the tread... if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, time to replace that tire! And remember, only replace tires in sets of 2 or 4, never just an individual.

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I don't know if I can wait till it's that bad. But I agree about replacing them by sets.

Originally Posted by yayi

I don't know if I can wait till it's that bad. But I agree about replacing them by sets.

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I know it sounds bad, but when you're spending $160 a tire and only getting 15,000 miles out of them... you tend use them till they can't be used anymore

It depends on wear. Have the tire place measure the wear amount. If it gets down to 3 or 4 units, I think 64ths (3/64 or 4/64), then it is time to change. A website said 1/16th of an inch which equals 4/64th.

Originally Posted by NavDoc

It depends on wear. Have the tire place measure the wear amount. If it gets down to 3 or 4 units, I think 64ths (3/64 or 4/64), then it is time to change. A website said 1/16th of an inch which equals 4/64th.

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I use the penny since my ruler reading needs help

The penny test is a great idea.

Also, for those of you in the North, if you haven't already, remember to let the summer air out and replace it with winter air.

My bf can go through a set in 6 mths (about 8k) or less because he drives like a maniac. I can make it about 1 and a half to maybe 2 yrs (about 30k) or more depending. I use all weather though, no snow and summer.

Originally Posted by Rockcat

The penny test is a great idea.

Also, for those of you in the North, if you haven't already, remember to let the summer air out and replace it with winter air.

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Oh, is that why my tire went flat the other day?

My Dad tells me that when they were first married he convinced my Mom that the air needed to be replaced.