Tire wear

NickXX · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:10

Hi all,

I had a look at my tires today and they seem a little worn - do they still look legal to you guys?

Are those 3 bumps the legal wear markers? How many more miles do you think they'll last before they become illegal (they are the front wheels of a RWD car), I've not been pushing them too hard.

The reason I ask is because the rears seem to have a fair bit more tread and I want to get all 4 replaced at the same time.

Cheers,

Nick

L0rdMike · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:12

They look alright, the tyre on my MR2 just dissapeared in a month or two it went from just legal to near full slick.

Im no tyre expert though.

Enfield · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:13

Illegal.

You can clearly see the blocks from the photo.

ZG002 · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:16

look a tad illigal to me like lol

NickXX · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:17

Enfield said:
Illegal.

You can clearly see the blocks from the photo.

Really, is it not when the tire wears down to the blocks, or is it when they just become visible?

Enfield · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:22

NickXX said:
tire wears down to the blocks, or is it when they just become visible?

Is that not the same thing?

They are clearly illegal mate, probably very dangerous as this time of year.

£30 fine for that tyre and 3 points or something I think you'll get if you're caught.

You're supposed to have at least 1.3mm of tread across the central 3 quarters of the tyre from memory.

iv-tecman · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:24

Think they are had it mate.. I think a 10p coin can be used to check a tyre. Around the coin there are little dots, and just above the dots and you're fine. Below, and time to get a new one fitted..

The blocks are starting to wear from the looks of things.. Better to shell out now, then risk points, fine and in-validating your insurance..

Muncher · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:26

Difficult to tell from the photo but they look legal to me.

It hasn't reached the level of the wear indicators just yet.

Dangerous · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:27

The rubber between the lines are the 1.6mm guide if they are down to that level then then need replacing.

Beans on toast Dave · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:29

Muncher said:
Difficult to tell from the photo but they look legal to me.

It hasn't reached the level of the wear indicators just yet.

Muncher · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:29

Dangerous said:
The rubber between the lines are the 1.6mm guide if they are down to that level then then need replacing.

Yup, and if they were, they'd be a lot easier to see than they are from that photo.

great advice · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:32

Get 'em replaced anyway, cant be too carefull when it comes to tyers or brakes imo

iv-tecman · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:34

great advice said:
Get 'em replaced anyway, cant be too carefull when it comes to tyers or brakes imo

Perhaps a good bit of advice.. Or at least try and measure the average between the blocks. I always think anything below 2m and it's time for new shoes..!!

Looking at the picture again, it is hard to actaully tell.. I still think you'd be wise to get it replaced..

NickXX · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:39

Ah, ok thanks guys - I have no idea when it comes to tire wear. Really don't want to lose grip in this weather. Will get them sorted tomorrow - didn't realise you could get points from worn tires :eek:

!

Argh, this has been a very expensive month so far..

Dangerous · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:42

NickXX said:
Ah, ok thanks guys - I have no idea when it comes to tire wear. Really don't want to lose grip in this weather. Will get them sorted tomorrow - didn't realise you could get points from worn tires !

Argh, this has been a very expensive month so far..

3 points and £60 fine per tyre

NickXX · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:50

Here's another pic - it's shows the tread a little better.

Dangerous · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:52

That one seems okay but use the bits of rubber between the rings to be for sure!!!

Enfield · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:53

They look over-inflated.

Doonhamer · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:56

Possibly over inflated or the wear could simply come from his heavy right foot and wheel spin.

Oracle · 4 Mar 2006 at 19:56

If its the BMW Nick, they are not illegal. Are they the contis!? They dont have much left in them tho, but as it goes they're not too bad. What I can say tho is that you dont have any front camber issues which is a good thing on an E46 (especially an 330d).

Check the inside edge of the rears as the contis like to let go early on the E46s, and will take most of your suspension housing out with them!