Advice, please. Do I need new tires?

How do I know for sure that I need new tires? I bought the car new and now have almost 72,000 miles on it. The tires aren't bald, but they, well, have 72,000 miles on them. There is tread on them. But how do I know when I've let things go too far?

In the past, I've gotten new tires only when forced to. Generally a flat that can't be repaired forces me to face reality. But it occurs to me that maybe I should be a bit more proactive this time.

Anyone have advice? Any brand preferences?

If any of the tread shows uneven wear, you need new tires.

If any of the tread is worn enough that it doesn't touch
the top of Abe Lincoln's head when you put a penny in the groove,
you need new tires.

I have, as of now, 4 new tires on the car. Kelly Navigator Gold, which the tire store I trust says is a great tire.

The REAL questions remaining are:

1: What brand and model were your OLD tires...

2: HOW THE HELL did you make them last 72 thousand miles?????

Seriously: That's just about a MIRACLE!
There ain't no tire nowhwere that's ever been rated to last
for 70,000 miles.

You should start a BLOG describing your driving tehcnique...
or scan your old tires for images of the Blessed Virgin.

http://www.coopertire.com/html/products/tires_passenger.aspx?page=cs4_touring_t&search=byVehicle&y=2004&m=DODGE+MINIVANS&mdl=Caravan&opt=SXT

Put four new ones on my mini-van two weeks ago...

bought 'em in March.

Man, it sucks to get old. :(

And the worst thing about getting old is that it always sneaks up on you
from a direction you don't expect.

Computers, TV, phones, car engines...I know that all of those things
are constantly improving & changing, so I'm not surprised when I learn of
something new with them.

But TIRES? No one ever told me that tires could get BETTER. I'm prepared
for a FUTURE with moon colonies and hovercars, but 80,000-mile tires?
Wow. I really didn't see that one coming.

Oh well. If this is the most foolish I feel this week, then it's been a pretty good week, no?


Like Grandpa Steel often said: "It's no sin to get old, it's just damned inconvenient."


Richard

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/index.jsp?GCID=C13674x032&code=yes

Note the links near the top for Survey Results and Tire Reviews.

Most state laws require a minimum 3/32" of tread depth. The old stand-by method of measuring it is to stick a penny into the tread, with the top of Lincoln's head pointing toward the tire. If his entire head is visible, replace the tire. (You need to do this at different spots along the tire's circumference, as wear may be uneven.)

what kind of tire gets 72,000 miles. I want the same ones.

They came with the car.

:thumbsup:

There are wear indicators on tires that indicate when you have reached the minimum legal tread depth or you could get a small device at an auto parts store. Just ask the clerk. But probably you should just replace your tires.

..could almost see the Air in my tires before I'd change them

Most AWD vehicles need all 4 tires changed if one goes flat and cannot be repaired...

the air in your tires, you will be fine.

I mean, afterall, it is your life you're talking about keeping safe....right? :shrug:

I don't have any brand suggestions to offer. I suppose you could always consider taking it into a reputable auto mechanic and asking their advice, based on an actual inspection of the tires.

Good luck! :hi:

New tires may save you from an accident. :-)

that I got at *gasp* Wal-Mart that I have put almost 85,000 miles on and are just now getting close to needing replacement. They are 80,000 mile tires and have been fabulous. Never even had a flat on one of them.

Tire rubber can age and fail, and that's a bunch of miles. Even with tread, those tires might be very dangerous; picture a massive blow-out on the Interstate, between 2 semi's...

the thread wears out; if you feel a vibration, and you know that your wheels don’t need balancing, or alignment, theres a good chance you have belt separation. Myself if I were replacing tires, it would be Michelin, as they don’t sell any seconds. If you have a Costco around, check them out, should have a $60 dollar discount coming up pretty soon.

also very good.