Quote:
Originally Posted by Joan.of.the.Arch
I know I need new tires when I can see the tread is getting low
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I addressed this issue in the auto repair thread in the frugral forum.
Generally, just because the tread is low doesn't necessarily mean that the tyre is no good. Each individual tyre is designed to operate with different levels of tread. It depends on the particular design you have. There are literally over millions of types of tread compounds and tread designs. It depends on what your tyre was designed to do.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joan.of.the.Arch
the tires also spin when trying to accelerate from a stop on a wet street
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This is not a good way to test tyres. Even the best all-season tyres in the best operating conditions will lose traction when accelerating on wet pavement.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joan.of.the.Arch
I figure they will just as easily lose traction on a turn or stop on wet roads
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Not necessarily true. It is extremely easy to spin tyres when accelerating, especially on front wheel drive vehicles like most passenger cars and mini vans. It doesn't nessarily mean that the tyre has no traction for conering or stopping.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joan.of.the.Arch
How about that old Lincoln's head on a penny trick?
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The penny trick is an easy way to measure to see if your tread is at least 2/32". The best way is to use a tread depth gauge.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joan.of.the.Arch
Is that a decent way to judge the condition of tires?
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It's a good test to prepare for state inspection, but to determine if the tread level is appropriate for the tyre design, you need to contact the manufacturer.
Also keep in mind that the manufacturer has incentives for you to buy new tyres, so even if a tyre is perfectly fine, a rep may tell you to buy new ones to make money and to avoid legal liability.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joan.of.the.Arch
I want and need good tires!!
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I'm sorry but there's no simple answer. When in doubt, invest in a good set of all-season tyres in the same size that is recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer.