QuestionI drive a 2003 Ford Explorer and put about 20,000 miles a year on the car. I do mainly highway driving. How do I know when it is time to replace the tires?
AnswerMarion,
You should replace tires when:
1) The wear bars show. In the tread of every street tire is a bar that, when exposed, indicates you are at the legal minimum of 2/32nds of an inch tread depth remaining. It doesn't matter if only one bar is exposed - It's worn out.
I should also say that if you wear the tire smooth in any location, even if it at the extreme edage of the tread - the tire is worn out.
2) The tires start to lose ceratin properties, especially hydroplaning resistance. As a tire wears, its ability to channel water from under it decreases and at some point it becomes a concern. I think this is 4 /32nds tread depth remaining.
3) If the tires develop a noise. Misalignment may cause tires to wear irregularly. This can be aggravated by low inflation pressure and lack of rotation. If fixing those problems doesn't cause the tires to wear more uniformly, then the only course of action is to replace them.
4) If the tire develops a vibration. This could be a different version of what causes noise OR it could be a separation developing. So if you fix the problems listed above and the proble still gets worse, then GET THAT TIRE OFF!! Tire failure could occur within 100 miles of your noticing the vibration.
5) If your tires are 10 years old. The latest research I have seen says that age is a major factor in deterioration of tire performance. Heat is a factor, so if you live in CA, NV, AZ, NM, TX, or FL, the limit is 6 years. States further north are in between. For example TN would be 8 years.
Hope this helps.
