I'm replacing the tires on a daily driven Outback 3.6R, its a 2015 and it was bought in the Fall of 2014. It came with Bridgestone Dueler H/T, which now have 46K miles on them. (Now, they are warrantied for 60K miles, but this doesn't matter for an OE tire I don't think and that isn't my focus). I could leave them on maybe for another 5K miles or so, they are not quite at 2/32", but one has a slow leak and its either get the leak fixed and go back for new tires or just replace the tires.
I don't hesitate to replace tires. I replaced my truck tires with only like 40K miles because they were also getting old mileage aside...But, am I being a little too quick to pull the trigger? Tires aren't something I like to stretch the life of so much. What are thoughts around here on the subject?
I'd certainly replace them if you expect a wet spring, if you live somewhere arid it probably wouldn't hurt to wait until the fall (unless a big road trip is planned).
Tires are a lot more durable than people expect.
I tend to replace my tires when they reach 3 to 4/32" tread depth. The wet performance of the tire really suffers as you get close to 2/32". Tire Rack had a great video on that (watch it here). Also, knowing that one of the tires already has a slow leak as well, I'm more inclined to say just replace the tires. I'd rather spend a little extra money and have a safer, more controllable car, than eek out those extra few pennies of value and risk hydroplaning and wrecking the car.
2/32" should be below the wear bars, and shops won't plug tires below the wear bars for a reason. just saying. I've run tires down to/past the bars, but they were total crap in any amount of rain, no matter the tire/tread style.
AWD does NOT save your ass if you have crap tires, for your sake and safety (as well as others on the road) replace them, a new crap tire is better then a wore out good tire.
Yeah these are between 4 and 5/32", but to me they look bald. I'm replacing with Cooper CS5 Touring Ultra, we'll see how these are.
Thinking back on all the cars I've owned I've replaced a lot of tires. Usually just after buying the car. I don't think I've ever worn a set of tires out. I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer your question.
I think you've got a great excuse to get rid of some sub-par tires!
Nick (Bo) Comstock wrote:
Thinking back on all the cars I've owned I've replaced a lot of tires. Usually just after buying the car. I don't think I've ever worn a set of tires out. I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer your question.
I am exactly the same.
Except i have worn out a few sets. But thats only like 5% of the sets ive bought.
I buy good tires, and take care of them. Im pretty picky. Especially about wet traction.
I've bought an awful lot of tires in my time here on planet Earth. Back in the early 80's, I kept the local BFG store well fed, using Comp TA's on my 82 Camaro that was autocrossed weekly. Six or eight tires a year there.
Then I had kids.
In the 00's I roadraced a Neon, and never, no matter how I heat cycled or aligned or rotated, could I both win the races and have any tire last more than three hours.
Then I raced a super late model. I bought $5500 worth of race tires two years in a row.
Most of those tires made it well below the wear bars.
I never let my daily driver tires get worn out. By the time they are at 3-4/32, they are hard and noisy and irritating, and belong in the recycling pile. New tires just work so darn well.
All of it, I call money well spent.
