Author Topic: When do you decide it's time to replace the tires? (Read 3223 times)

carcrazy · « **on:** November 13, 2007, 09:14:01 am »

I have 2.5 years and 52K km on my tires (Toyo Proxes A05). To me it looks like a little early to replace and this is why I'm asking for your opinion and experience.
I did the coin test described on the Tire Rack web site and it seems like I'm at around 4/32". The tires also have some indicators, but I'm not sure how to read them. I have some sort of rubber bars across the grooves; some are at the same level with the outer tire surface and some are still under that level. I also notice some blue marks from place to place around the tire.
Any help/advice?

UmroAyyar · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2007, 09:36:11 am »

Are you planning to drive on these in winter? That could be a slippery ride. I believe these are OE low rolling resistance tyres and more than half of the tread is gone (usually the tread is 10/32 originally on OEs).

I thought you were looking at the Nokians?

carcrazy · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2007, 10:00:04 am »

I'll be getting them this weekend but I'm trying to figure out if the OEM ones still have some life in them.

AVToller · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2007, 10:42:15 am »

My rule of thumb is "when in doubt, replace tires". They are the single most important safety feature on your car since they are the only contact with the road. Why risk yourself, your car, and the wellbeing of others for the sake of another season of driving on questionable rubber. Just my opinion, of course.

gotak · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2007, 10:45:52 am »

Yes that and it's so much fun to shop for parts.

carcrazy · « **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2007, 12:34:33 pm »

Quote from: gotak on November 13, 2007, 10:45:52 am

Yes that and it's so much fun to shop for parts.

That I know for sure. However, the fun part is over - I decided on the Nokians. The not that pleasant part comes in now - getting the work done (replace the tires and do the alignment - two different shops) and paying the bill. $1000 could take care of the Christmas shopping.

I would not drive with these tires in the winter, but I had a crazy thought to save them and put them back on the car for the next summer.

UmroAyyar · « **Reply #6 on:** November 13, 2007, 12:49:46 pm »

Quote from: carcrazy on November 13, 2007, 12:34:33 pm

Quote from: gotak on November 13, 2007, 10:45:52 am
Yes that and it's so much fun to shop for parts.

That I know for sure. However, the fun part is over - I decided on the Nokians. The not that pleasant part comes in now - getting the work done (replace the tires and do the alignment - two different shops) and paying the bill. $1000 could take care of the Christmas shopping.

I would not drive with these tires in the winter, but I had a crazy thought to save them and put them back on the car for the next summer.

I think 2/32 is entering the danger zone. If you can't get good value for your old tires, you could use them atleast one summer.

Loudpedal · « **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2007, 12:54:53 pm »

Quote from: carcrazy on November 13, 2007, 12:34:33 pm

Quote from: gotak on November 13, 2007, 10:45:52 am
Yes that and it's so much fun to shop for parts.

That I know for sure. However, the fun part is over - I decided on the Nokians.

Which Nokians did you decide on?

carcrazy · « **Reply #8 on:** November 13, 2007, 01:02:25 pm »

Nokian WR. I'm still debating the "Old" WR versus the "new" WR G2. The G2 has an asymmetrical pattern.

gotak · « **Reply #9 on:** November 13, 2007, 03:47:43 pm »

Since you decided on the WR there really isn't much point to using the old tires. I assume you are going to use your existing rims fro the WR right?

Loudpedal · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2007, 07:10:21 pm »

Quote from: carcrazy on November 13, 2007, 01:02:25 pm

Nokian WR. I'm still debating the "Old" WR versus the "new" WR G2. The G2 has an asymmetrical pattern.

I just had a set of Nokian WR's installed on my wifes Odyssey yesterday. I actually preferred the look of the WRG2, however, availability in our size was an issue, and the WR's actually have deeper tread blocks.

In the end, I would have gotten the G2's if they were in stock.

carcrazy · « **Reply #11 on:** November 14, 2007, 01:29:11 am »

Quote from: gotak on November 13, 2007, 03:47:43 pm

Since you decided on the WR there really isn't much point to using the old tires. I assume you are going to use your existing rims fro the WR right?

That's right. I could eventually put the old tires on the rims in the spring. However, I was looking at the tires again today but I don't think it's worth the effort and the money.

carcrazy · « **Reply #12 on:** November 14, 2007, 01:32:40 am »

Quote from: Loudpedal on November 13, 2007, 07:10:21 pm

Quote from: carcrazy on November 13, 2007, 01:02:25 pm
Nokian WR. I'm still debating the "Old" WR versus the "new" WR G2. The G2 has an asymmetrical pattern.

I just had a set of Nokian WR's installed on my wifes Odyssey yesterday. I actually preferred the look of the WRG2, however, availability in our size was an issue, and the WR's actually have deeper tread blocks.

In the end, I would have gotten the G2's if they were in stock.

Which store did you go to? I have Kal Tire, Delta Tire and Steelcase on my list so far.

Loudpedal · « **Reply #13 on:** November 14, 2007, 09:27:19 pm »

Kal Tire in Concord was the most expensive at $183/ea.
Newmarket Tire was $145/ea (but the day before install I was told they were backordered and would take 2 weeks to get).

In the end I got them from a place called Duffs Tires in Newmarket for $156/ea., in the shop the next day. By the way this was for 225/60/16's.

I can't really comment on them as I literally have only taken the van out for a spin around the block on them.

carcrazy · « **Reply #14 on:** November 14, 2007, 10:42:49 pm »

From reading other tire discussions I see it's desirable that the shop uses performent balancing equipment like Hunter Road Force. Does anyone know if any of the shops listed here has this equipment?

articsteve · « **Reply #15 on:** November 14, 2007, 11:01:22 pm »

That's right. I could eventually put the old tires on the rims in the spring. However, I was looking at the tires again today but I don't think it's worth the effort and the money.

it seems like I'm at around 4/32".

If you were in Arizona I'd say maybe. But for up here in the wet spring weather those tires are history.

It's a travesty that in Ontario 4/32 inch (3 mm) is not the legal minimum.

carcrazy · « **Reply #16 on:** November 14, 2007, 11:11:46 pm »

I agree AS, I'll throw them out as I don't feel safe anymore on wet in any season.

On now to find a tire place in GTA that carries Nokians and has a RoadForce balancing machine. I'm looking forward for suggestions.

articsteve · « **Reply #17 on:** November 14, 2007, 11:38:38 pm »

That Hunter Road Force Company needs a good kick in the *ss. Very fustrating they are. If you go to their website one can find out where any of their machines are located in the USA!!!. Naturally

, no Canadian listings.

I e-mailed them once and got no response. However, I think it's worth a try being that your asking about a possible location in the GTA.

http://www.gsp9700.com/

carcrazy · « **Reply #18 on:** November 14, 2007, 11:59:07 pm »

Thanks AS. I tried the link, but like you said, no Canadian info. For Canadian inquireies you have to email them. I will try to call them tomorrow and call the tire places that carry the tires I'm interested and ask if they have the RoadForce machine.

carcrazy · « **Reply #19 on:** November 19, 2007, 10:47:27 am »

This weekend I replaced my OEM tires, defunct at 52K, 3 summer/spring/fall seasons and 2 winters. I got the Nokian WR at $163.70 + tax per corner mounted, balanced and other services (flat repair, tire rotation, road hazard insurance) at Kal Tires; friendly service at Concorde store.
The first impression is that the tires are not too noisy as this was one concern I had due to their winter capabilities. They are not overly quiet but the stock Toyos weren’t either. In any case, they are acceptable to me.