How do you know when it is time to change (street) tires?

Question

Am I worried strictly about tread depth? Tires have a flat spot in the middle from riding to class and the turn in feels way different from when i first put the tires on. Can the falt spot lead to problems when turning?

Answer 1

Wear bars.
Or before.

When they turn into slicks, it's too late.

Added: They should not have flat spots. That's worn out. It sounds like you may have too much air in your tires, possibly combined with not leaning the bike much. In straights, the tire rides on it's center. Not leaning in turns keeps the rest of the tire from wearing, too. I always have tread left on the sides, but it gets a little less every year.

Answer 2

Depends on a lot of factor, if you ride hard change them if either edge of the tread looks worn or distressed, that is the bit which keeps you safe when cornering, otherwise watch the tread depth and if the centre groove disappears then the tire is dangerously thin and liable to puncture easily, that said it will run very cool at high speed and be very unlikely to throw its tread, obviously in the rain no grooves means no grip but hey racers use slicks in the dry. Otherwise change tires every 4 years unless your gaage has no windows in which case you could risk 6, that is from manufacture not fitment, check the date on the sidewall, and dont but a tire over 12 months old, I have seen 25 year old new tires in England, fine for static display restorations but lethal on a wet road.

Answer 3

All right, take a penny. Put it in the grooves between the treads. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time to change your tires. Also, to help out with tire maintenance, keep them filled to the correct pressure as specified on the sidewall. You will also want to have them balanced (once a year is good, unless your mechanic says otherwise, and this should also be done when you have your tired replaced), rotated once a year, or year and a half, and have an alignment check done once a year, and have it performed then if necessary, and have an alignment done at least once every two years. Hope this serves you well.

Answer 4

Most tires have wear marks in them. I change them when it approaches the wear marks. I get a lot of different answers on how many miles a motorcycle tire will last.

On cars, I always replace tires early. It's cheap insurance. I do the same with my bikes.

On keeping proper inflation. I got a foot tire pump at autozone for about $15. It doesn't take long to add a couple pounds of pressure. Tire pressure changes a lot with changes in pressure and barometric pressure. I find even 2 or 3 pounds off noticably changes the handling.

Answer 5

i love georges answer it is in the bike section and not a single bike i know of can you even swap tires let alone rotate here is the general rule of thumb for bike tires the rear tire will always wear out before the front usually 2 to 1 check the tire with the penny beside the center line if it is below the head (upside down) change it soon with in the next 500m or so if the tire has fine cracks in the side wall change asap if there is a bulge anywhere on the tire change it Remember that your life is ridin on about 8 square inches of tire front and back added together You can take it to you local bike shop and most will look at them for free good luck

Answer 6

actually George is only have right the penny theory is a good judge of tire tread left but worse then that is old tires. Tires are only good for 4 to 6 years depend on your driving and climate condition. also to correct as far as maintenance keeping them properly inflated is good but don't go by what's on the tire that is a big mistake most people make is using the number on the tire, its only for maximum inflation. Your car has a sticker usually in one of the doors or could be in the glove box or trunk but some where there is a sticker that is what you go by to properly inflate your tires.

Answer 7

I don't know the differnce between motorcycle tires, but uhh, my post is on tires!

Different tires have different lifespans. Some last up to 30,000 miles and some last up to 60,000 miles. I'd suggest writing down your model tire (which can be found on the side of the tire) and calling Sears Auto Shop or other shop to ask when your tires should be replaced. Or better, just bring it to them. They will measure how much rubber is on your tires and tell you whether you need new tires or not.

Changing tires often is a good safety measure. Especially if you drive very fast.

Answer 8

Look at the center of the tires...if you can see wear bars beginning to show it is time to change. If you see uneven wear, cracks, or anything in your tire, it is time to change them out. I try to go every 2 1/2 or 3 years in between tires.

Answer 9

Attention - Consult your specific motorcyle manual, and see what it says about YOUR models tires.PLEASE, Don't get caught up in a Universal solution. Pay attention to what the owners manual says/suggests for tire maintenance, and
checking for wear. Your life depends on it.

Answer 10

when u slide out and eat asphalt believe me i learned to check my tires after that happened make sure u have tread and there not showing much wear