When to replace tires by tread depth

Question

I just went to the mechanic to do a 60k checkup on my car.  He suggested to replace my tires and said my tire tread depth was 5/32 at the front and 4/32 in the rear.  I remember growing up and being told to replace at 2/32 of tread.
I declined because I thought 5/32 was too early.  I even checked with a penny and Lincoln's head was still covered.  Also, it's going to be summer soon so rainy weather isn't 100% concerning to me right now.
I looked online and found a few links that said at 3/32 to 4/32 you should consider replacing and 2/32 is you MUST replace but the links were from tire companies.
So my question is, is 5/32, or even 4/32 too early?  Do I stick with the 2/32 rule or do we start thinking about replacing between 3/32 to 5/32?

Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 · Accepted Answer

While 5/32 and even 4/32 does not require replacement, I think it was fair of the service person to suggest getting new ones. The tires are, as they say, on their last leg.
If you have even wear across the width of each tire, then there's no real worries. When they get to 2/32's, that when the wear bars start showing. It's at that point you really need to make an appointment to get new ones. If I were you, I'd go ahead and prepare for it now so it won't come as such a shock to the pocketbook when it is time. Just keep tabs on the tires to ensure they're not wearing quicker than you expect, then change them out when needed.

Technophile · Answer

There are places to save money, and places where you are betting your life, or at least your car.  There's cheap and there's inexpensive.  Cheap saves on the purchase price; inexpensive keeps you out of the collision.
Brakes, steering and tires are essentials.  Engine is kind of optional.  Picture yourself on a steep downgrade and one of these fails.  Hit a wet patch on the road and shallow tire tread can hydroplane.
I won't buy less than quality ceramic brake pads, 'A' traction rating tires, and the steering has to work.  I can't afford to use cheap parts.

When to replace tires by tread depth

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