Boss, you need new tires

[SteveSRT8]

IME traction can get worse or better depending on the tire.

It also changes in terms of what direction, as in cornering traction or acceleration/deceleration traction.

Tremendous variation in tire designs.

 

[javacontour]

Well, there are those who go extended intervals.

If he got 36K out of the first 5/32nds, he could probably get 12-18k out of another 3/32nds.

Apparently, running the tires down to the wear bars in the front didn't bother this guy. So while folks around here may not run their tires like that, the guy in this example doesn't appear to subscribe to our standards.

Of course, the tires on my Protege5 would probably scare some right now

Originally Posted By: javacontour
Yep, two new in the back, rotate the better tires to the front and repeat in 12-18k miles.

Originally Posted By: bigmike
I can't tell from the pictures if he needs an alignment or not, but it appears they're just worn. He could have gotten away with just 2 new tires, but I can certainly understand wanting 4 nice, new MXM4s.

 

[Cutehumor]

Critic,

there's a big difference in throwing $30 for an oil change and $1000 for new tires (tires, valve stem/balancing, and install). I would have rotated those tires. 36k miles out of those tires? yikes! I would have rotated and got new tires at 50k. I'm in a similar situation with a 41k cobalt. the front are worn, plan to rotate, and get new ones around 50k

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
Critic,

there's a big difference in throwing $30 for an oil change and $1000 for new tires (tires, valve stem/balancing, and install). I would have rotated those tires. 36k miles out of those tires? yikes! I would have rotated and got new tires at 50k. I'm in a similar situation with a 41k cobalt. the front are worn, plan to rotate, and get new ones around 50k


The bottom two looks usable, but the top two are at the wear bars. Telling his boss to rotate and keep the two bad ones would be a bad idea, not to mention if he spins out in rain or something he would blame it on whoever gave the advice.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: The Critic

The rear tires were at best 4-5/32 from what I could tell. There’s no way those would be good for more than another 5k.

This is not a direct jab at you, javacountour, but I find it amusing that many members are extremely conservative with oil change intervals yet feel very comfortable running tires down to 2/32”….or even bald tires through the summer.

Although I maybe a bit extreme sometimes, 4/32” is pretty darn low for tread depth and the tires should be replaced at that point.

I ran the OEM tires(Bridgestone RE050) and the replacement Falken FK452 down to slick(no visible tread to be seen) in the summer months on my S2000. The performance/handling on dry roads was better when the tread went down to below 2-3/32" and best when it was slick.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
Critic,

there's a big difference in throwing $30 for an oil change and $1000 for new tires (tires, valve stem/balancing, and install). I would have rotated those tires. 36k miles out of those tires? yikes! I would have rotated and got new tires at 50k. I'm in a similar situation with a 41k cobalt. the front are worn, plan to rotate, and get new ones around 50k


A new set of Primacy MXM4 for this car was around $600, which was fairly affordable. The cost of wrecking your car due to having 2 bald tires in the rear (from sliding out) would cost you more than that - between the deductible and the insurance increases. So, I don't understand why anyone would try to skimp here if you are looking at the big picture.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
So, I don't understand why anyone would try to skimp here if you are looking at the big picture.


because the rain season has passed and some people do not drive fast.

 

[cutter]

Originally Posted By: surfstar
I'd have rotated them and told him he's fine 'til winter.

Dry traction goes up as they wear - it doesn't rain in CA during the summer (or much last winter). Once I make it through the 'rainy' season, I know I've got a good 6 months on bald tires before I need to replace them here.



Ghetto slicks!

 

[mason1125]

The wore ContiProContacts are just no comparison to Michelin Primacy MXM4s. Good move! Your boss will enjoy the difference.

 

[bigmike]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: javacontour
Yep, two new in the back, rotate the better tires to the front and repeat in 12-18k miles.


The rear tires were at best 4-5/32 from what I could tell. There’s no way those would be good for more than another 5k.

This is not a direct jab at you, javacountour, but I find it amusing that many members are extremely conservative with oil change intervals yet feel very comfortable running tires down to 2/32”….or even bald tires through the summer.

Although I maybe a bit extreme sometimes, 4/32” is pretty darn low for tread depth and the tires should be replaced at that point.



But, 5,000 miles would net me an extra year of driving as I have low annual mileage. I'm not certain of the compound of those tires, but I could see getting 10k out of a set that has 5/32nd left on many different tires.

You are right in erring in the safer choice. Some people have a greater difficulty in driving on mediocre tires.

 

[SLCraig]

I looked at those Michelin MXV4 Primacy's at the dealer the other day and actually thought they were half decent for a Michelin. Still not sure they are worth the extra $ over other brands, but the sidewall was nice and fairly stiff, and overall it looked like a good tire. Would be curious to know what kind of wear he gets. I need decent wearing tires that are decently quiet, and of course don't handle like junk either.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
I looked at those Michelin MXV4 Primacy's at the dealer the other day and actually thought they were half decent for a Michelin. Still not sure they are worth the extra $ over other brands, but the sidewall was nice and fairly stiff, and overall it looked like a good tire. Would be curious to know what kind of wear he gets. I need decent wearing tires that are decently quiet, and of course don't handle like junk either.


These are the Primacy MXM4, not MXV4. These MXM4 are a higher performance version of the MXV4. I think you will be extremely happy with them on your Civic. They are available in the 205/55-16 size.