If you have to ask the question its prob. time to replace them. what could you hurt? (besides your wallet)

 

Hey NYCS2, is that Poncharello in your av?

 

No, you don't really need to replace your tires unless you want to waste your money. Sure, better and newer rain tires are an option, but not a must. Driving sensibly and changing the tires at the right time (or for a better one) are the most important things you need to do to stay safe.

The wear marks had been created to do exactly that, tell you when the tires are worn enough to require replacement. The recommended tread depth at which a tire is considered "worn" is 2/32ths of an inch or 0.16cm. That's exactly the height of the wear mark indicators. Changing your tires before that will give you limited advantage, and definetly will not be cost-effective.

As mentioned by previous posters, the main factors for aquaplaning will be the depth of the puddle you'll hit, the speed at which you are traveling, and obviously, the tires. You'll be at almost the same position with brand new RE050's. I said ALMOST because a deeper tread will displace more water, so a newer tire will always be better in the rain. Which leads us to your original question: When is it safe and reasonable to change a tire? According to Bridgestone, Michellin, Continental, Good Year and most tire manufacturers, it's when they reach the wear marks (2/32").

Bottom line, if you want better wet traction, get a better wet tire (PS2, PS A/S, S03). If you rather stick with the RE050's, inspect them often and change them when due.

Another hint: Check your tire pressure often. An underinflated tire is the worst thing you can have in the rain. 5psi over is better than 2psi under. But the best pressure is the recommended one.

Drive safe.

 

Yes it is

 

I have personnaly spoken to numerous people who have wrecked their cars from hydroplanning in the wet. Not driving aggressively but hit some water and hang on. The lower the tread depth the easier it will happen. I would say anywhere from 4/32nd to the wear bar would be a good time to change. The RE050 is a better wet tire than the S02 but the car does tend to oversteer in the wet easily.
If I can help let me know.

 

[QUOTE=Jim@tirerack,Jan 4 2005, 05:54 AM]The lower the tread depth the easier it will happen.

 

Jim,

Thanks. This makes a lot of sense. I think I'll do something about my alignment, then put on newer tires.

 

Unless you plan on going through standing water at 65+ mph, IMO it is a waste of money to replace the tires at 4/32. Even if you put brand new rubber (S-02's) on your car, it will still plane the surface in standing water at 65+ mph. The S handles great on S-02's that are worn down to the wear bars in the rain as long as the water isn't standing. It is all about moderation and common sense.

 

If your tires are wearing to the point you think you'll hydroplane, just keep that in the forefront of your mind when driving in the rain.

Sometimes driving slower is driving faster as Nicki Grist says.

 

[QUOTE=RACER,Jan 4 2005, 04:55 PM]Unless you plan on going through standing water at 65+ mph, IMO it is a waste of money to replace the tires at 4/32.