Tires
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Fort Mohave AZ
Tires
Can anyone tell me how to tell when run-flats need to be replaced and how do you determine if they need it (tread??) We don't race -- this is just an every-day driver.........
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,082
Likes: 1,592
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Wear bars are the final indicator that a tire has reached it's useful and safe life. If a tire has a minimum of 3/32 of tread left it is time to seriously consider replacement. At 3/32 tread depth the stopping distance is twice as long as a new tire and on wet roads a tread with 3/32 is almost like driving on four drag radials. Age of the tire is also an issue because the rubber becomes hard and less pliable which affects all performance aspects of the tire regardless of the tread depth. A six plus year old tire with 3/32 or less tread is extremely dangerous especially in cold weather. I just replaced the tires on a 2007 Corvette with the original tires which had about 5/32 tread depth left.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,187
Likes: 1,216
From: Las Vegas Nevada
There might be a problem with running down to 3/32 if you live in a wet area. The combination of a relatively light car, and very wide tires makes the prospect of hydroplaning much greater. I doubt if any of us don't know at least one person that lost control of their 'vette in the rain, even while driving cautiously.
I am not using any hard data here, but if you live where it rains often, and you drive your car in the rain, I would consider using 5/32 as the absolute min tread depth. Just an opinion...
I am not using any hard data here, but if you live where it rains often, and you drive your car in the rain, I would consider using 5/32 as the absolute min tread depth. Just an opinion...
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,568
Likes: 594
From: Jefferson City Missouri
I can personally attest to hydroplaning with wide tires (2013 GS on 8,000 mile GY's). In September of 2014 we were heading to the west coast and while driving through southwest Kansas we encountered a severe thunderstorm. I slowed to 50 MPH because I couldn't see more than 75 feet in front of me and then I had to slow to about 40 because the rear tires were floating on the water. The weight of the car was not enough to push the water away from the contact patch if I went any faster.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Long Island, N.Y.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 248
Likes: 40
From: Carlsbad CA
Regards,
Pat
Racer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 474
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Yes you have to watch that inside tire wear!!!! Say what you want about GoodYear...this let loose at approx 168mph just over the start/finish line at a Daytona HPDE. Stood on the brakes when it let go and no damage to car. Front right tire.