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Related questions:
• Are run-flat tires worth buying?
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How can I tell if my tires need to be replaced?
I would like to know how to find out if my car’s tires really need to be replaced or not. I’m concerned about just asking at a tire shop or mechanic, because I figure they will always try to tell me I need new tires — which they can sell me. Is there an easy way for a layperson to tell?
Related questions:
• Are run-flat tires worth buying?
• How can I tell if my brakes need to be replaced?
• Where can I find car race tracks around the country?
• How can I find out my blood type?





< What the finders found >
Time to re-tire
Most states’s laws say that tires are legally worn out when they have 2/32″ or less tread depth remaining. All tires sold in North America have “wear bars” in the grooves between the tread that are, you guessed it, 2/32″ tall. So when the wear bars are even with your tread, it’s definitely time to replace those tires.
Figuring it out
OK, great. So the tread is taller than the wear bars. How do I figure out just how much tread is actually left? Well, you could go out and buy a tread depth gauge. They aren’t that expensive and give a nice accurate reading. However, this article on TireRack.com says you probably have all the tools you need to measure your tires’ tread right in your pocket.
Dig in there and pull out a penny and a quarter. Now you’re set.
And people say the penny is worthless!