When should I replace my tires?

Find out if your tires pass the "Penny Test."

THE LAW

According to most states' laws, tires are legally worn out when they have worn down to 2/32" of remaining tread depth. To help warn drivers that their tires have reached that point, tires sold in North America are required to have molded indicators called "wear bars" across their tread pattern from their outside shoulder to inside shoulder. Wear bars are designed to visually connect the elements of the tire's tread pattern and warn drivers when their tires no longer meet minimum tread depth requirements.

COMMON SENSE

However, as a tire wears it is important to realize that while its dry traction and handling will improve…its ability to perform in rain and dirt will diminish. At 2/32" of remaining tread depth, resistance to hydroplaning in the rain at highway speeds has been significantly reduced and traction in heavy dirt has been virtually eliminated.

If rain and wet roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 4/32" of remaining tread depth. Since water can't be compressed, you need enough tread depth to allow it to escape through the tire's grooves. If the water can't escape fast enough your vehicle's tires will be forced to hydroplane (actually float) on top of the water, loosing traction.

If dirt covered roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 6/32" of remaining tread depth to maintain good mobility. The reason that you need more tread depth in dirt is because your tires need to compress the dirt in their grooves and release it as they roll. If there isn't enough tread depth, the "bites" of dirt your tires can take on each revolution will be so small that your traction will be reduced. Because tread depth is an important element for dirt traction, all-season tires start with deeper tread depths than standard all-season or summer tires. Some all-season tires even have a series of wear bars molded in their tread pattern indicating approximately 6/32" remaining tread depth.

If you're still a little confused and need to walk through your selection with one of RAD Motorsport's experts call (808) 680-9809 or email one of our sales team members.