Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/06/how-safe-are-worn-tires/index.htm
When do you guys change tires... ... at what tread depth... . and it depends largely IMO on when the tires start to go down..... for example I feel a lot better at running low tread tires when its the beginning of summer instead of winter.....
From Tire Rack. .
Tests conducted by Tire Rack provide compelling results that favor the switch.
Using brand new tires with 10/32nds tread, worn tires at 4/32nds and legally worn-out tires at 2/32nds, the test consisted of 70 mph runs with a passenger car and pickup truck. Each run ended with a panic stop on asphalt covered by 0. 05 inches of water, equivalent to a moderate rain shower.
With new tires, the car traveled 195 feet before coming to a stop; with worn tires (4/32nds), it went 290 feet. The same vehicle with worn-out 2/32nds tires traveled 379 feet, nearly doubling the stopping distance of the new-tire-equipped car. The eye-opener, says Rogers, was discovering that the sedan with 2/32nds tread was still going 44 mph when it reached the final stopping point of the 4/32nds-equipped vehicle.
The pickup truck test provided longer stopping distances but similar ratios, and the pickup with worn-out tires was still going 47 mph when it passed the stopping point of the 4/32nds-equipped truck. A video of the tests is available at tirerack.com by searching “panic stopping. ”
Based on the tests, Tire Rack began recommending that drivers consider replacing their tires at 4/32nds tread. Rogers said customers may contend the company desires to drum up extra business, but viewing the tread depth video and determining if drivers will face wet driving conditions usually wins their confidence.
He explains that 2/32nds may be acceptable for an Arizona customer. However, if rain is common at the locale, then 4/32nds is appropriate for replacement. Similarly, snow, winter or all-season tires should be considered for replacement if only 6/32nds remain when heading into winter.
When do you guys change tires... ... at what tread depth... . and it depends largely IMO on when the tires start to go down..... for example I feel a lot better at running low tread tires when its the beginning of summer instead of winter.....
From Tire Rack. .
Tests conducted by Tire Rack provide compelling results that favor the switch.
Using brand new tires with 10/32nds tread, worn tires at 4/32nds and legally worn-out tires at 2/32nds, the test consisted of 70 mph runs with a passenger car and pickup truck. Each run ended with a panic stop on asphalt covered by 0. 05 inches of water, equivalent to a moderate rain shower.
With new tires, the car traveled 195 feet before coming to a stop; with worn tires (4/32nds), it went 290 feet. The same vehicle with worn-out 2/32nds tires traveled 379 feet, nearly doubling the stopping distance of the new-tire-equipped car. The eye-opener, says Rogers, was discovering that the sedan with 2/32nds tread was still going 44 mph when it reached the final stopping point of the 4/32nds-equipped vehicle.
The pickup truck test provided longer stopping distances but similar ratios, and the pickup with worn-out tires was still going 47 mph when it passed the stopping point of the 4/32nds-equipped truck. A video of the tests is available at tirerack.com by searching “panic stopping. ”
Based on the tests, Tire Rack began recommending that drivers consider replacing their tires at 4/32nds tread. Rogers said customers may contend the company desires to drum up extra business, but viewing the tread depth video and determining if drivers will face wet driving conditions usually wins their confidence.
He explains that 2/32nds may be acceptable for an Arizona customer. However, if rain is common at the locale, then 4/32nds is appropriate for replacement. Similarly, snow, winter or all-season tires should be considered for replacement if only 6/32nds remain when heading into winter.
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sometimes I get myslf in trouble too! They are a great off road tire they do very well in the snow and with just under 25k on them they are still at half tread and wearing flat as a board. At this rate Ill probably get 40 - 45k out of them. That may not seem like much but for what I do with them Im satisfied with that. If I didnt run dirt roads so much and pull 7k pound trailers offroad Im sure they would last longer. Given the abuse theyve taken I couldnt expect too much more from them
