Tread Wear Limits - General Q.

Vegas04 · 12-12-2005, 09:30 PM

I know i've heard that if you stick a dime upside down (heads-up) in the tread you should not be able to see the top of his head- but does anyone know how shallow you should let the tread get before replacing.
Specifically: BFG All-Terrain KOs... they come with 17/32" tread depth so when are they worn down enought to replace?? I was thinking 5/32" would be about time to replace. anyone have a qualified opinion they want to share?

*95wolverine* · 12-13-2005, 04:03 AM

Never heard the "Dime" method. But for determining when to replace tires, I've heard that you take a penny (Lincoln's head down) and if you can still see the top of his head, it's time.

PS.. this is NOT a qualified opinion. I'm just a mechanical engineer that absorbs information. I did use this method once after I replaced my wife's Sentra's tires as they just felt a bit "floaty" on water.

KTMNealio · 12-15-2005, 09:06 AM

I think the law states 2/32 or 3/32. If it was spring and I had 5/32 then I'd wait until fall to replace them. It it was fall and I had 5/32 then I'd replace them.
- Nealio

Onebadasstitan · 12-15-2005, 12:00 PM

KTMNEALIO is right this is coming from a family in the tire business. The law in Pa states 3/32 but if you have 5/32 left on the tire in the spring i would wait until fall to put new skins on.