Tread Depth and Replacement

[HowAboutThis]

Had my tires rotated today. A little over 6/32nds left and 60k miles on the Michelin Defenders. They were manufactured in the 36th week of 2021 and I put them on in about the 45th week of 2021. They do the check over and once inside he points at the corporate tread depth sign and says to start thinking about new tires because at 4/32nds I should replace. I roll my eyes. Like, literally, if it's a somewhat linear wear rate, that's like 30k more miles (about 2 years) away. Also, Michelin's own website says anything before 2/32nds is preemptive. I normal replace around 3/32nds, personally, also dependent on which season is coming up. He also said mine were almost 6 years (they're like 4.25) and at 6 years I should replace and Michelin says inspect annually at 5/6 but don't replace until 10 unless issues.

Anyway, it was my first eye roll experience at DT. Normally they just rotate and balance, are friendly, and don't vomit stuff like this.

From Michelin's website:
"That is, they are able to provide an excellent performance right up to the last mile when the wear threshold is reached."

https://www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tires-101/tire-tread-depth

Looking forward to all of the different opinions on this

 

[The_Jeff]

It's not even a linear wear rate-- they wear out faster when new.

I had a Uniroyal tiger paw with 4/32 that no matter what I did to it, never wore any more. Even moved it from a Saturn to a Volvo, it just kept on going.

I dispose at 4/32, or maybe 5/32 if I have an excuse, like it's the good tire and all the others are worse and coming off. Mostly because I like doing 75 in the rain.

 

[HowAboutThis]

It's not even a linear wear rate-- they wear out faster when new.

I had a Uniroyal tiger paw with 4/32 that no matter what I did to it, never wore any more. Even moved it from a Saturn to a Volvo, it just kept on going.

I dispose at 4/32, or maybe 5/32 if I have an excuse, like it's the good tire and all the others are worse and coming off. Mostly because I like doing 75 in the rain.

Yeah, I'd read many tend to wear faster at first. They should easily make their 80k mileage warranty.

On a more interesting note, they had an alignment rack at this DT. Didn't remember it there previously. I guess DT does alignments now?!? Since they can't replace a lug stud on a Subaru and send you to other shops with an IOU, I'd be hesitant to use them to be honest...anyone know about this? Are alignments a new thing at DT?

 

[BHopkins]

I 100% agree with your reasoning about when to replace tires. My neighbor, who owns the local Big O tire store, tells me that he can't explain it, but while stored in a tire warehouse with thousands of other tires, tires tend to not age. On rare occasion, he has seen tires come out of the warehouse that have date codes that are 2-3 years old, but the tires look brand new. So I would have no problem starting the clock on tire age, based upon the date of installation.

 

[The_Jeff]

If you don't bend anything or replace certain parts you don't need an alignment. And if you do need one, get a local recommendation. It might be a tire store, but depends on the quality of the tech.

Also go when they're not busy and tip the guy a twenty to do it right, they don't get paid much.

 

[slo town]

I normal replace around 3/32nds, personally, also dependent on which season is coming up.

You and I have identical replacement philosophies - 3/32s and season dependent. If I'm at 3/32 or even 4/32s but the rainy season is approaching, I'll replace the tires. If I'm at those tread depths in California's dry season I might run them down to 2/32s.

One thing about running them down to 2/32 or 3/32, I think there is a greater risk of getting a flat.

Here is the left front Michelin Cup 2 on my E90 BMW (a 235/35-19). They are on borrowed time. Even though I still want to eeck out a thousand or so more miles out of them, under no circumstances would I drive them in the rain.

Also, I don't rotate my tires. First of all, it's a staggered setup. Secondly, I'm OCD enough about my handling I like it when my tires get scrubbed into the nuances of each corner. You can see I have my suspension and pressures are dialed into perfection. This is my left front and it has been on that corner since new. FWIW.

Scott

 

[Ranger83]

Regular tires we usually give away at 5-6/32nd.

Just sold a set of Nokian R3 winter tires with 8/32nd tread for $100. We got new R5’s.

YMMV.

 

[MParr]

Tread depth is just a indicator. When you start noticing a drop off in wet weather performance and overall handling, it's time to replace them.

 

[burbguy82]

I think it deoends on weather and driving requirements, than just a blanket linear thing......traction requirement. If you are heading into winter, in a snowy environment, then probably good....In a Kia Sephia in an area where it does not rain or ice, keep going until you can barely see the tread pattern

 

[HowAboutThis]

I think it deoends on weather and driving requirements, than just a blanket linear thing......traction requirement. If you are heading into winter, in a snowy environment, then probably good....In a Kia Sephia in an area where it does not rain or ice, keep going until you can barely see the tread pattern

If they were on the "not quite down to 4/32nds" heading into our winter rainy/couple snow events time, I'd run them through the next summer and get another 10K out of them. If they were at 4/32nds all summer and running into the "high 3's", I'd contemplate changing them before winter. Although, currently, my commute is within city limits either interstate or town roads, so running to 3 wouldn't bother me. My wife's car I'd be a little nicer about because I love her LOL

 

[Crusher]

Had my tires rotated today. A little over 6/32nds left and 60k miles on the Michelin Defenders. They were manufactured in the 36th week of 2021 and I put them on in about the 45th week of 2021. They do the check over and once inside he points at the corporate tread depth sign and says to start thinking about new tires because at 4/32nds I should replace. I roll my eyes. Like, literally, if it's a somewhat linear wear rate, that's like 30k more miles (about 2 years) away. Also, Michelin's own website says anything before 2/32nds is preemptive. I normal replace around 3/32nds, personally, also dependent on which season is coming up. He also said mine were almost 6 years (they're like 4.25) and at 6 years I should replace and Michelin says inspect annually at 5/6 but don't replace until 10 unless issues.

Anyway, it was my first eye roll experience at DT. Normally they just rotate and balance, are friendly, and don't vomit stuff like this.

From Michelin's website:
"That is, they are able to provide an excellent performance right up to the last mile when the wear threshold is reached."

https://www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tires-101/tire-tread-depth

Looking forward to all of the different opinions on this

Had my tires rotated today. A little over 6/32nds left and 60k miles on the Michelin Defenders. They were manufactured in the 36th week of 2021 and I put them on in about the 45th week of 2021. They do the check over and once inside he points at the corporate tread depth sign and says to start thinking about new tires because at 4/32nds I should replace. I roll my eyes. Like, literally, if it's a somewhat linear wear rate, that's like 30k more miles (about 2 years) away. Also, Michelin's own website says anything before 2/32nds is preemptive. I normal replace around 3/32nds, personally, also dependent on which season is coming up. He also said mine were almost 6 years (they're like 4.25) and at 6 years I should replace and Michelin says inspect annually at 5/6 but don't replace until 10 unless issues.

Anyway, it was my first eye roll experience at DT. Normally they just rotate and balance, are friendly, and don't vomit stuff like this.

From Michelin's website:
"That is, they are able to provide an excellent performance right up to the last mile when the wear threshold is reached."

https://www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tires-101/tire-tread-depth

Looking forward to all of the different opinions on this

HowAboutThis
What size tires are the Michelin Defenders?
What vehicle? A Subaru?

 

[MrkofXcellence]

I change mine at 4/32. Only four little areas of rubber keeping the vehicle on the road.

 

[f355spider]

Here is the left front Michelin Cup 2 on my E90 BMW (a 235/35-19). They are on borrowed time. Even though I still want to eeck out a thousand or so more miles out of them, under no circumstances would I drive them in the rain.

I'm not even confident on my newish Cup2s in the rain. I switch the manettino to low traction and drive slower. Pirelli P Zero Corsas were fine in the rain...but not near as good in the dry to the Cup2.

 

[f355spider]

If you don't bend anything or replace certain parts you don't need an alignment. And if you do need one, get a local recommendation. It might be a tire store, but depends on the quality of the tech.

Also go when they're not busy and tip the guy a twenty to do it right, they don't get paid much.

+1. I have found that a good techician makes all the difference in a quality alignment. They also need to be familiar with the car they are working on. I have found the best work at race shops and specialty suspension shops. They take pride in what they do and can be especially knowledgable. Car dealers are fine too... and they often run specials.

Also, don't do alignments just because you got new tires. I used to do this...and got alignments just automatically...as often as every 18 to 24 months depending on the car and how much I was driving. That was until a trusted technician told me alignments are the most over sold service. Often shops trying to recoup the cost of the four post lift and gear. Get an alignment after suspension work or if you start to see some uneven wear or the car pulling or the steering wheel no longer straight. Otherwise, save your money. That was 12 years ago, and I get half as many alignments now and I'm no worse for wear.

 

[HowAboutThis]

HowAboutThis
What size tires are the Michelin Defenders?
What vehicle? A Subaru?

17 Corolla. 16".

 

[Crusher]

Thanks for the quick response
I have quite a bit of experience with Michelin Defenders
I asked you about the size to give my post some context. The Dollar values that I'm giving are probably a little inflated.
On my 2011 Ford Expedition EL 4x4 King Ranch I run 275/55/20 Michelin Defenders. It has 425k miles. I ordered it new in 2011
I'm currently on my 6th set of Michelin Defenders
A new set is approx $1,000-$1,100
I typically run these Michelin's to 70k-75k miles, or when the tread depth is 6/32"
I do this in the Fall or Spring when Michelin runs their Tire Sale
I sell the takeoffs on Facebook Marketplace for $300-$350
I've determined that 6/32" is the Sweet Spot for selling Takeoffs. Any less tread depth is much more difficult.
I do lots of Interstate Cross Country Trips, and having plenty of Tread depth is my Main Concern.

I Hope this Helps
Best of Luck to You!

 

[Lubener]

There is a big degradation in traction both in rain and snow when 50% of the tread has worn off.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I 100% agree with your reasoning about when to replace tires. My neighbor, who owns the local Big O tire store, tells me that he can't explain it, but while stored in a tire warehouse with thousands of other tires, tires tend to not age. On rare occasion, he has seen tires come out of the warehouse that have date codes that are 2-3 years old, but the tires look brand new. So I would have no problem starting the clock on tire age, based upon the date of installation.

I can 100% assure you that rubber ages while sitting. Its why that old lawnmower V-belt hanging on the shed wall snaps on first use after hanging there for 20 years. Its a normal chemical oxidization process. So sure, sitting in a warehouse with no UV is likely less a problem, there still aging.

Different OEM's recommend different lifespans. I am not telling anyone what to do, but your thesis that date of install is same as date of manufacture is incorrect.

 

[bullwinkle]

Yeah, I'd read many tend to wear faster at first. They should easily make their 80k mileage warranty.

On a more interesting note, they had an alignment rack at this DT. Didn't remember it there previously. I guess DT does alignments now?!? Since they can't replace a lug stud on a Subaru and send you to other shops with an IOU, I'd be hesitant to use them to be honest...anyone know about this? Are alignments a new thing at DT?

They have a pretty nice alignment rack-when I bought the Vue in my sig I put new quick struts & one outer tie rod end on it & they did a good job on the front, but the rear needed some massaging (new camber cam washers). They were pretty good about doing the rear again after I got the washers on, though they seemed like they could have used a little more training. Pretty sure it was a shiny new computerized Hunter alignment rack. I'm more of a tire condition replacement guy-ANY cracking, cuts, or other weirdness they're coming off, seems very few make it to 3/32"/worn out levels with our shattered roads here!

 

[DWS507]

Tread depth is just a indicator. When you start noticing a drop off in wet weather performance and overall handling, it's time to replace them.

If your the only driver,you have a good feel for your vehicle. Wife and younger drivers,I would replace sooner.Its winter here in Wi.I'm the only driver on my VW Tiguan,I'm down to 6/32 and I'm a retired semi driver,only doing 12,000 miles a year.I'm also very observant on alignment and tire pressure.So I also have to fight off the service advisors,In a different situation, I would of replaced tires in the fall.I also feel that when tires get down there,more apt to pick up nails etc.But that's just my situation.