When should I replace my tires?
According to most states' laws, tires are legally worn out when they have worn down to 2/32" of remaining tread depth. To help warn drivers that their tires have reached that point, tires sold in North America are required to have molded indicators called "wear bars" across their tread pattern from their outside shoulder to inside shoulder. Wear bars are designed to visually connect the elements of the tire's tread pattern and warn drivers when their tires no longer meet minimum tread depth requirements.

However, as a tire wears it is important to realize that while its dry traction and handling will improve…its ability to perform in rain and snow will diminish. At 2/32" of remaining tread depth, resistance to hydroplaning in the rain at highway speeds has been significantly reduced and traction in heavy snow has been virtually eliminated.

If rain and wet roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 4/32" of remaining tread depth. Since water can't be compressed, you need enough tread depth to allow it to escape through the tire's grooves. If the water can't escape fast enough your vehicle's tires will be forced to hydroplane (actually float) on top of the water, losing traction.

If snow covered roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 6/32" of remaining tread depth to maintain good mobility. The reason that you need more tread depth in snow is because your tires need to compress the snow in their grooves and release it as they roll. If there isn't enough tread depth, the "bites" of snow your tires can take on each revolution will be so small that your traction will be reduced. Because tread depth is an important element for snow traction, winter tires start with deeper tread depths than standard all-season or summer tires. Some winter tires even have a series of wear bars molded in their tread pattern indicating approximately 6/32" remaining tread depth.

How To Buy   
Buying tires is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be a confusing one. In this section you'll find:

Things to know before you go to the dealer
Something to remember at the dealer
Install two new tires on the rear axle: Watch a video to learn more
Things to know before you go to the dealer

Your Tire Size
Knowing your tire size can help you save time at the tire dealership and enables you to make an informed tire purchase. Your vehicle's original equipment tire size can be found in your owner's manual or on the tire placard located on the driver's door jamb, glove box lid, or inside the fuel hatch. You can also check your existing tire's tire designation. View a lesson on how to read a sidewall.

If you are interested in a size other than your vehicle's original equipment, or are upgrading your wheels, consult your local authorized Michelin dealer for expert advice.

Your Tire Type
One of the first questions your dealer will probably ask you is, "What type of tires are you looking for?" Your dealer is referring to categories such as all-season tires, winter tires, etc.

What's most important is that your new tires meet your needs. Before you go to the tire dealer, think about the best and worst conditions you foresee driving in. What performance criteria are you looking for in a tire? For example, is wet traction more important to you than cornering capability on dry roads? The more you can tell your dealer, the better tire you will get for your needs.