Take our new tire tread-wear test

In our November issue of Consumer Reports, we recommended using a quarter to determine when it’s good time to start shopping for new tires. (See “Tire Maintenance.”)

Since the story was published, some have mistakenly interpreted our recommendation as being that when tires have worn to 1/8” of tread depth that it’s time to replace tires. The measurement is about the distance between George Washington’s head on a quarter to the edge of the coin if you are using the quarter as a tread depth gauge. Let’s be clear: That’s a good time to start thinking about tire replacement, and begin researching and shopping.

At this depth, most tires still have some all-weather grip left, which gives you time to shop around for the best price and tire model that suits your car’s needs. Tires worn to the tread wear indicator bars (set at 1/16” and indicated by the use of a penny) in any or all of the grooves should be replaced immediately, leaving little time to shop for new tires.

In reality, consumers don’t often think about replacing tires based on tread depth alone.  Some wait until the steel belt edges show—that alarms us. We suggest changing tires earlier if your tires are losing grip in the wet or during winter driving conditions.   

If you’re in the market for car or truck tires, refer to our Ratings and all-new tire finder that can help identify the best tires for your ride. (Available to online subscribers.) 

—Gene Petersen

Comments

[Robert Eichel]

The guidelines given above are just that, guidelines. A person needs to "pay attention" to the tires and the way a car handles. If handling has deteriorated (as compared to when the tires were new) to the point that traction on snow or wet pavement is questionable at best it may be time for new tires.

[Will Gayther]

When is consumer reports going to rate newer all season tires in their report? I went looking for tires a couple of months ago, and they don't even sell the Michellin X Radial tires any more. :-(

[Morris]

What is the actual or average depth of the tread of a new tire?

[Ken]

Will, you are not correct. The Michellin X radials are still sold, you just have to go to stores like Sam's club or Costco to get them. I saw them there at both stores yesterday, and the website for Michellin says they are a "club store value"

[joe romaCK]

I would like to know why the rear tires on my 2008 corvette zo6 are wearing faster on the outside 1/4 of the tread. They are at factory alignment probably 1 degree negative camber. It does not look like a toe-in problem as the wear is level across the entire tread of both rear tires. Possibly I was thinking that the rear tires are riding heavier on the inside 3/4 of the tread and spinning or dragging the outer 1/4 of the tread. Please reply.