Tire thread left on a Matrix

Grolar · 06-06-08, 10:19 AM

What's a reasonable tire thread left? I used the coin trick on my Matrix (215/55 17) and the dephth is just enough to reach the "head" of FDR on a dime, ie 1 millimeter tops. It doesn't rain much here in CA but is in your opinion a tire change overdue?

WES1977 · 06-06-08, 10:25 AM

when you get scared to drive it in the rain. I'm sure it depends on the brand and style.

Grolar · 06-06-08, 10:34 AM

Original tires from 3 years ago, Bridgestone Potenza. The trick is that is NEVER rains here and I only commute 5 miles a day on straight surface streets so I can't really notice any difference.

WES1977 · 06-06-08, 10:39 AM

oh actually most tires have wear marks
it's a little hump between a few treads.

Grolar · 06-06-08, 11:13 AM

Yep, and the thread on mine is still thicker than that. But I once read that those marks aren't realistic and that on somewhat wide tires, such as 215/55s, you'd be better off replacing them sooner than when the mark is obvious. I'm hauling two young kids and don't want to put anyone at risk, but OTOH those tires are expensive and I wouldn't object driving them a little bit more, as long as everybody's safe.

WES1977 · 06-06-08, 11:28 AM

are you worried about the tire blowing out or not having enough traction?

Grolar · 06-06-08, 11:55 AM

Casual commuting isn't an issue. I just worry that they could fail or not respond like I would expect in emergency situations, ie emergency braking or lane shifting on a freeway.

Texx · 06-06-08, 03:25 PM

You have kids. Buy the tires.

06-06-08, 10:19 AM	#1
Grolar Sick and destroyed Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Below the Hollywood sign Posts: 794	Tire thread left on a Matrix What's a reasonable tire thread left? I used the coin trick on my Matrix (215/55 17) and the dephth is just enough to reach the "head" of FDR on a dime, ie 1 millimeter tops. It doesn't rain much here in CA but is in your opinion a tire change overdue? __________________ 12/94 FZJ80, 132k, stock but carbon neutral. Gallery "You can't fight in here, this is the war room!" FOR SALE: Infant car seat

06-06-08, 10:25 AM	#2
WES1977 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 1,143	when you get scared to drive it in the rain. I'm sure it depends on the brand and style. __________________ 1977 FJ40 Hardtop/ S-O-R’s Safari Summer Top®. Fiberglass tub. Rear Aussie Locker. 2F with at least 106,000 miles. Running Bfgoodrich MT's 33x10.5xr15 1988 FJ62 Stock 2002 UZJ-100. Stock 2003 Tacoma extcab 4x4, V6, TRD Factory E-locker Mid-Atlantic Toyota Land Cruiser Association website

06-06-08, 10:34 AM	#3
Grolar Sick and destroyed Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Below the Hollywood sign Posts: 794	Original tires from 3 years ago, Bridgestone Potenza. The trick is that is NEVER rains here and I only commute 5 miles a day on straight surface streets so I can't really notice any difference. __________________ 12/94 FZJ80, 132k, stock but carbon neutral. Gallery "You can't fight in here, this is the war room!" FOR SALE: Infant car seat

06-06-08, 10:39 AM	#4
WES1977 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 1,143	oh actually most tires have wear marks it's a little hump between a few treads. __________________ 1977 FJ40 Hardtop/ S-O-R’s Safari Summer Top®. Fiberglass tub. Rear Aussie Locker. 2F with at least 106,000 miles. Running Bfgoodrich MT's 33x10.5xr15 1988 FJ62 Stock 2002 UZJ-100. Stock 2003 Tacoma extcab 4x4, V6, TRD Factory E-locker Mid-Atlantic Toyota Land Cruiser Association website

06-06-08, 11:13 AM	#5
Grolar Sick and destroyed Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Below the Hollywood sign Posts: 794	Yep, and the thread on mine is still thicker than that. But I once read that those marks aren't realistic and that on somewhat wide tires, such as 215/55s, you'd be better off replacing them sooner than when the mark is obvious. I'm hauling two young kids and don't want to put anyone at risk, but OTOH those tires are expensive and I wouldn't object driving them a little bit more, as long as everybody's safe. __________________ 12/94 FZJ80, 132k, stock but carbon neutral. Gallery "You can't fight in here, this is the war room!" FOR SALE: Infant car seat

06-06-08, 11:28 AM	#6
WES1977 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 1,143	are you worried about the tire blowing out or not having enough traction? __________________ 1977 FJ40 Hardtop/ S-O-R’s Safari Summer Top®. Fiberglass tub. Rear Aussie Locker. 2F with at least 106,000 miles. Running Bfgoodrich MT's 33x10.5xr15 1988 FJ62 Stock 2002 UZJ-100. Stock 2003 Tacoma extcab 4x4, V6, TRD Factory E-locker Mid-Atlantic Toyota Land Cruiser Association website

06-06-08, 11:55 AM	#7
Grolar Sick and destroyed Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Below the Hollywood sign Posts: 794	Casual commuting isn't an issue. I just worry that they could fail or not respond like I would expect in emergency situations, ie emergency braking or lane shifting on a freeway. __________________ 12/94 FZJ80, 132k, stock but carbon neutral. Gallery "You can't fight in here, this is the war room!" FOR SALE: Infant car seat

06-06-08, 03:25 PM	#8
Texx IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 1,874	You have kids. Buy the tires. __________________ world's cleanest 89 FJ-62, and a few parts... 85 xcab hilux 4x4 resto'ed, 67 XKE, 1500 Vulcan, 80 Fj40 under resto..mine now! ! 03 Tacoma TRD SR5, Suzuki DR350 Born to raise Hell! Right after my nap.

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