My Bridgestone Potenza RE040 91Y's 225 45/17 tires are worn but I still have more than 1/8 inch of tread before the wear bar on the most worn tire. I am wondering if these tire are still safe as long as I am on dry pavement? Here in California we won't get rain until October and if we do, I can drive another car. However, a mechanic said I should replace them now.

I disagree with the mechanic because I think slicks have the best traction on dry pavement. I would think worn tires would be just as safe as long as no cord is showing. Is there something I don't know about this? The tires still seem to grip and handle real well.

doug

There are a few factors other than wear that result in a decision to remove the tires.

1) Age - current think is that 6 years from date of production is the limit

2) Uneven wear - even though a tire may show measureable tread, the tire might be more worn elsewhere - and the worst spot is what you should go by.

3) Cuts and gouges - tires with lots of cuts and other tread penetrations are more prone to tread separations due to corrosion of the steel belt.

I personally subscribe to the 4/32nds tread depth removal level. It doesn't take but one rain storm or a stray lawn sprinkler to cause a vehucle to hydroplane. I'd rather lose a few dollars by going too earlier, than have to pay for a wrecked car by waiting too long.

Hope this helps.