Hi all. I have a question in regards to tire tread depth. I have a set of tires that I have had on my '91 Camaro for four years. The fronts have out side wear because it was not aligned. Anyway, what are the guidelines a person uses to determine when it is time to purchase new tires. What are the measurements that a person's refers to when determining tread measurement? What are the best tire tread depth gauges out there? Any of your responses would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

An old trick is to use a penny. When you can see the top of Llincoln's head, its time for new ones.

 

Yup, I use Lincoln to tell me. Flip the penny over so he is "standing" on his head. When you can see the hair (I always add a slight gap), time for new rubber.

 

I have always gone by if the wire is poking threw it is time to change the tire.:lala:

 

see cord, replace tire

 

When you go Slip & Sliding in the rain its time for new rubber unless you are on the cheap side. How many years you have a tire is not a good reference its mieage and driving habits.

 

My car always goes slip and slide in the rain.

 

Then buy tires that handle in the wet and dry.

 

Look at the TWI (Tread Wear Indicator) sign on the side of the tire.
When this small part of rubber is even with the rest of the profil, it's time to buy new ones!

 

I've read the following somewhere.

Generally, at least:

3/32 for summer
5/32 for winter

 

If you decide you have enough tread to keep the tires, you might want to think about putting the oddly worn front tires on the rear.

I'm basically saying put the tires with the best tread on the front.

Use the penny to get a good idea of the tread that's left.

 

when your back tires are completely flat in middle (like my back tires) or when the guy you bought the car from decided to put 3 245s on and 1 250 in the front left so the car constantly pulls to the right (also just like my car)

 

i got 54,000 out of my goodyears