21" Inch At what point would you consider replacing tires?

[VandalSibs]

So, for all that I've talked about my truck here, I'm actually kinda mystified about when to actually replace my tires...

The last time I bought new tires for the same vehicle (not a winter tire set, but to replace the main set) was back when I was but a dumb young lad in 2012 and I let the tires go bald on a '04 Dodge Neon. Whoops.

I just had my OEM Pirellis rotated for the third time at 15,141 miles, and according to the print-out from Discount Tire, the fronts are at 5 and the rears at 4 (guessing /32nds).

Should I grab a new set of tires soon, or can I get another 5k miles out of them?

And does anyone want to debate the merits of the Michelin vs Bridgestone replacements? I don't want to spend the money on the Pirellis if the other options are as good.

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[iansriv]

I'm sort of in the same boat. I usually rely on DT to tell me. I went for the 2nd rotation last week and they told me two of my tyres were about to go. I've done some research on this forum and plan to replace all four with Goodyear 20s.

 

[VandalSibs]

I was thinking the same thing, that they would tell me if a replacement was needed (considering they don't make any money on rotations!).

They even repaired a small puncture in one of my tires I wasn't aware of... So you think they would tell me if it was time for tires.

 

[godfodder0901]

I was thinking the same thing, that they would tell me if a replacement was needed (considering they don't make any money on rotations!).

They even repaired a small puncture in one of my tires I wasn't aware of... So you think they would tell me if it was time for tires.

DT is in the business of selling tires, so you can bet your a** they'd tell you if they needed to be replaced (by them, of course). Then there's the liability of they let you drive out of there on dangerous tires.

 

[Magicbus]

And does anyone want to debate the merits of the Michelin vs Bridgestone replacements? I don't want to spend the money on the Pirellis if the other options are as good.

You might also check Hankook now that they are shipping a 21".

 

[Luxus]

Most tires have wear indicators in them. If you look at the tread, look in the grooves. You should see a bunch of raised thin strips at the bottom of the grooves. When those strips are even with the surface of the tread, it's time. Most tire places will tell you to change just before those strips are even with the surface.

 

[Time2Roll]

Usually DT will recommend tires at 4/32. I assume they are all wearing evenly and may wait until all are at or below that level. Anything 2/32 will get a sales pitch. DT will recommend four tires on a 4WD vehicle.

I tend to run tires to 2/32 and maybe a bit more to get to a holiday weekend sale. I say this from Southern California with zero snow and ice, minimal rain. And I have not rotated tires for a few decades.

If headed on a trip I might replace them sooner than later.

If I am spending money I put Goodyear tires on. Not sure what I would do if GY did not make the OEM size in something I like.

 

[snowboarder777]

I always replace them when around 3-4/32. Not worth risking my life on a worn out tire. I have the new Michelin Defenders LTX MS2 on my 21s and they are phenomenal. Smooth, quiet and comfortable. Great snow and ice traction especially for all seasons.

 

[madhat]

I'd be considering new tires soon, Michelin would be my preference for the 21s. Once you get below 5/32 braking capabilities drop precipitously.

 

[VandalSibs]

I always replace them when around 3-4/32. Not worth risking my life on a worn out tire. I have the new Michelin Defenders LTX MS2 on my 21s and they are phenomenal. Smooth, quiet and comfortable. Great snow and ice traction especially for all seasons.

Any good or bad news on the range front with those?

 

[snowboarder777]

Any good or bad news on the range front with those?

In spring to fall I am averaging pretty much the same as the Pirellis. Winter time I have no comparison to the OEMS but due to cold temps I get around 250-280 miles over the standard 300 depending on city or highway.

 

[Time2Roll]

I'd be considering new tires soon, Michelin would be my preference for the 21s. Once you get below 5/32 braking capabilities drop precipitously.

OK I agree with the video. However I believe there is something left out. As tires age the rubber also hardens and provides less grip. So two things in play for wet traction. For the video to be correct I wish they stated how old the worn tires are. Or declare that all were new and were shaved down to 4/32 and 2/32 depth for testing. Tires looked worn down, not shaved.

OK the point here is some have tires that are maybe just two years old and the rubber may not be near as hardened as a tire with 5+ years and still at 4/32 depth. My idea is if replacing tires seemingly prematurely based on age the depth can go a bit lower and approach 2/32 vs a 5 to 8 year old tire maybe should be replaced at 4/32 depth.

I have run some LT tires 12 years and the rubber was hard as stone with plenty of tread. These really should have been replaced sooner but still plenty of tread.

Note the OP has tires just over two years.... I would tend to run them down very close to the 2/32 unless needed for difficult conditions.

 

[madhat]

OK I agree with the video. However I believe there is something left out. As tires age the rubber also hardens and provides less grip. So two things in play for wet traction. For the video to be correct I wish they stated how old the worn tires are. Or declare that all were new and were shaved down to 4/32 and 2/32 depth for testing. Tires looked worn down, not shaved.

OK the point here is some have tires that are maybe just two years old and the rubber may not be near as hardened as a tire with 5+ years and still at 4/32 depth. My idea is if replacing tires seemingly prematurely based on age the depth can go a bit lower and approach 2/32 vs a 5 to 8 year old tire maybe should be replaced at 4/32 depth.

I have run some LT tires 12 years and the rubber was hard as stone with plenty of tread. These really should have been replaced sooner but still plenty of tread.

Note the OP has tires just over two years.... I would tend to run them down very close to the 2/32 unless needed for difficult conditions.

I would imagine the lack of water shedding due to less tread would be a good amount of the distance increase; I'm fairly certain there's a dry stopping distance test too. But I agree older tires definitely come into play.
Also, if you live in Phoenix, like me, wet stopping distance is less important.

 

[R1Tiger]

I went with 21" Michelin Defender LTX M/S2. No regrets. No noticeable impact to range. Ride quality is great.
I got 30k+ out of OEM tires. I have 15k miles on Michelin. Tread depth at 2nd rotation (14k miles) 9/32“ (new 12/32)

 

[BCondrey]

2023 DM R1T with 21" Pirellis. At 29K miles, I'm down to 5 & 6. Just did my 4th tire rotation. Leaving the spare as is (4 tire rotation) to leave tread on it if I need it. I'm going with the Michelin Defenders or the new Hanook. I'm replacing them when they get to 3 or 4. Probably later this year. I hope to get 35K out of them. Here is an article I saved about the Hanooks: Hankook Expands EV Optimized iON HT Tire Lineup With New Rivian Compatible Sizes

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