How to tell you need new tires?

[Pho3nix]

As titles states.
I am assuming waiting until they are smooth is a bad way to do this

So looking for an easy way to assess if the tread is still decent for another month or 6.

 

[Zyraz]

Normally if you put a wood match in the tread t̶h̶r̶e̶a̶d̶ (Auto correct fail) and the match isnt sticking out above the thread of the wheel , the tires are still fine.

 

[Sinbad]

As titles states.
I am assuming waiting until they are smooth is a bad way to do this

So looking for an easy way to assess if the tread is still decent for another month or 6.

Most tyres have tread wear indicators. Zyraz note the spelling

Look on the sidewall of the tyre, you'll see a small triangle pointing towards the tread. That shows where the tread wear indicator is. The TWI is a 1.5mm or so bump in the groove of the tread - when the tyre wears down so that the top of this bump is level with the tread surface, then you're at the limit.

 

[Mars]

Normally if you put a wood match in the thread and the match isnt sticking out above the thread of the wheel , the tires are still fine.

This is what I do. If there is less than 2mm left its time to replace.

 

[Pho3nix]

Most tyres have tread wear indicators. Zyraz note the spelling

Look on the sidewall of the tyre, you'll see a small triangle pointing towards the tread. That shows where the tread wear indicator is. The TWI is a 1.5mm or so bump in the groove of the tread - when the tyre wears down so that the top of this bump is level with the tread surface, then you're at the limit.

View attachment 234934

There is an actual science to this.
Thanks, did not know this at all.

 

[Sinbad]

There is an actual science to this.
Thanks, did not know this at all.

Also not the legal requirement is for the tread depth to be measured across the entire width of the tyre, so if it's smooth along one of the edges but OK in the middle or at the other edge, time for a replacement.

 

[DollyAAAA]

Any lumps and bumps visible may also indicate some structural failure.

Also, when measuring the tread, look at the whole tyre, not just a spot. You may have uneven wear, which may indicate other problems with your car.

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

On a straight on the freeway at about 160kph, pull up the handbrake and .. j/k

This was a question in the learner's test and you're still a lighty. Wait, did you buy your license?

 

[Drifter]

Most tyres have tread wear indicators. Zyraz note the spelling

Look on the sidewall of the tyre, you'll see a small triangle pointing towards the tread. That shows where the tread wear indicator is. The TWI is a 1.5mm or so bump in the groove of the tread - when the tyre wears down so that the top of this bump is level with the tread surface, then you're at the limit.

View attachment 234934

My My, Sinbad CAN actually post something useful!!! Nah, he just beat me to it. But yes, that ^^^^.

 

[Sinbad]

My My, Sinbad CAN actually post something useful!!! Nah, he just beat me to it. But yes, that ^^^^.

It happens sometimes

 

[LazyLion]

Most tyres have tread wear indicators. Zyraz note the spelling

Look on the sidewall of the tyre, you'll see a small triangle pointing towards the tread. That shows where the tread wear indicator is. The TWI is a 1.5mm or so bump in the groove of the tread - when the tyre wears down so that the top of this bump is level with the tread surface, then you're at the limit.

I can't see any of those, my tyres are smooth.
So how do I tell?

 

[Pho3nix]

On a straight on the freeway at about 160kph, pull up the handbrake and .. j/k

This was a question in the learner's test and you're still a lighty. Wait, did you buy your license?

5th year with my licence
Haven't seen a learners exam in 7 years.

 

[Archer]

I can't see any of those, my tyres are smooth.
So how do I tell?

Sometimes they will have a tiny TWI (tyre wear indicator) printed instead of the triangle. And I do mean tiny. Sometimes they have no markings but still have the bumps (or the marking wore off)

Otherwise you'll need to measure the depth somehow, like placing a matchstick in, marking the depth and then measuring if you've got more than 1mm left

 

[TehStranger]

On a straight on the freeway at about 160kph, pull up the handbrake and .. j/k

Having done this before at slightly lower speed I can confirm... don't.

 

[Necropolis]

Most tyres have tread wear indicators. Zyraz note the spelling

Look on the sidewall of the tyre, you'll see a small triangle pointing towards the tread. That shows where the tread wear indicator is. The TWI is a 1.5mm or so bump in the groove of the tread - when the tyre wears down so that the top of this bump is level with the tread surface, then you're at the limit.

Didn't know that.

Thanks for the info!

 

[ice_cubes]

Most tyres have tread wear indicators. Zyraz note the spelling

Look on the sidewall of the tyre, you'll see a small triangle pointing towards the tread. That shows where the tread wear indicator is. The TWI is a 1.5mm or so bump in the groove of the tread - when the tyre wears down so that the top of this bump is level with the tread surface, then you're at the limit.

View attachment 234934

/ saves for future reference... and to look smart