When should I replace my tires, and what pressure should they have?
AAA recommends replacing tires at 4/32 inch of tread, and Consumer Reports says to start shopping around then, well before New York's inspection minimum of 2/32. The right tire pressure is on the placard on the driver's door edge or in the owner's manual, not on the tire's sidewall.
What tread does the New York inspection allow?
New York's DMV says tires (the spare excluded) must have at least 2/32 inch of tread, no fabric break or cut over 1 inch long or wide, and no visible bumps, bulges or knots. It also says tire pressure is an advisory only, not a reason to fail.
Is 2/32 inch enough?
It is the minimum the inspection accepts, but wet grip is already reduced by then. In AAA's wet-pavement test, tires worn to 4/32 inch took on average 87 feet longer to stop from highway speed than new tires, and AAA recommends replacing at 4/32 inch. Consumer Reports also says to start shopping at about 4/32 inch. The test used all-season tires on wet pavement. AAA says performance varies by brand, and worn tires did significantly worse for all the tires tested, including higher-priced ones.
What pressure should my tires have?
The correct pressure is on the tire placard on the driver's door edge or door frame, or in the owner's manual. The number on the sidewall is the tire's maximum, not the target. Consumer Reports says to check monthly, early in the morning while the tires are cold, or after the car has been at rest at least three hours and out of the sun. AAA says at least once a month, before driving, when the tires are not hot.
What can tire wear tell me?
AAA says wear on the outer edges suggests under-inflation, wear in the center suggests over-inflation, and wear on one side points to misalignment. [AAA, "13 Common Car Problems Explained," undated]
What can I ask?
- How much tread is left on each tire?
- Is any tire cut or damaged?
- What pressure does my car's door placard say?
- Is the wear on my tires even, and if not, what could be causing it?
Our Sunset Park shop listed tire and wheel repair.
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What does the check-engine light mean?A steady check-engine light means the car's computer found a problem and stored a code, and Consumer Reports says to schedule a check as soon as possible.
What does the New York State inspection check?New York's DMV says each car and light truck registered in New York must be inspected at least every 12 months.