Tire Tread Gauge

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Usually when it comes time to replace a tire I look for cupping or tread wear.  however, when planning trips of a few thousand miles it's possible that the tires that look good now will wear out about half way through the trip.

Can anyone recommend a decent tire tread gauge and what is an acceptable reading for usable remaining tread?  I've seen lots of commentary on tire selection but not on this subject.

[Bob_Roller]

Try NAPA auto parts, or some of the chain type auto parts stores, I have a few at work, and they can't be that costly from the looks of them.

[Landlubber]

If you really feel the need to know tread depth, a vernier micrometer will do this easily, just turn it upside down and use the end. They are designed to measure depth as well as using the fingers.

If you feel the tyres are buggered, just go get new ones anyhow, less chance of punchures etc etc with new tyres.

You do not have much grip on the road at the best of times, why play roulette?

[Motu]

I check tread depths all day as part of my job - standard gauges don't do the job when getting down to the legal limit,and calling a pass or fail.I use a digital depth gauge in these situations.A bit overkill for home use every 8,000km or more.

[drewboid]

Some wait for the wear bars to show, some wait for the cords to show! some use a penny - if you see the top of Lincoln's head it is time to replace.
If you are planning on a few thousand miles and are nervous then the time to replace is now. Wasting half a day at a dealer in the middle of nowhere who may not have your size or brand in stock is not the greatest way to spend a vacation day.  YMMV

[k_enn]

Also keep in mind that tread depth is not the sole determining factor on the replacement of tires.  The rubber of tire itself can deteriorate.  Most of us have seen "dry rot", and such tires are clearly not safe.  But even short of "dry rot," the integrity of the rubber can be compromised but not be visible.  A good rule of thumb is that if the tire is over 5 years old, you should give consideration to replacing it even if it looks ok.

k_enn

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Wasting half a day at a dealer in the middle of nowhere who may not have your size or brand in stock is not the greatest way to spend a vacation day.  

Roger that!  I can speak from personal experience there.  The problem seems to be that there are so many variable involved, ie. rubber compound, riding style, road temperature, inflation pressure and speed just to mention a few.  I agree that it's best to begin a long trip with fresh tires but even that is no guarantee the tires will last the duration of the trip.
NAPA does show an inexpensive tread gauge, p/n NTH 90376, and that will at least give a reading for the remaining tread.  The problem though is knowing how much usable life remains.  Do the tire manufacturers post this information?

[montmil]

Do the tire manufacturers post this information?

Since the tire mfg'ers are in the business of selling tires, I'm thinking their recommendations would be to the benefit of their bottom line.

Ditto on the thoughts regarding tire age, cupping -describes my last front Metzler- compound, blah x3.

[Bob_Roller]

While you're checking the tread depth, put the bike on the center stand, and slowly rotate the tire, and take a good look at the tread area, checking general condition for cuts and other damage.

I have only had one Metzeler front tire cup on me, it was on the left side.

It was also during the time, that I ran the bike without any oil in the left fork.

I got interrupted during a routine fork oil change, when I got a call, that a friend needed a ride the the emergency room, due to an allergic reaction, thought I had serviced the left fork, when I hadn't.

I use a check list now to prevent it from happening again !!!!

[montmil]

I got interrupted during a routine fork oil change, when I got a call, that a friend needed a ride the the emergency room, due to an allergic reaction, thought I had serviced the left fork, when I hadn't. I use a check list now to prevent it from happening again

An extremely good idea, Bob.

Although this short story is a bit off the tire tread concern, it does relate to interruptions during serious work issues.

A fellow squadron member was pre-flighting one of our unit's aircraft when a friend stopped by to chat. Serious interruption of a safety of flight inspection.

Chatty friend left and the pilot then mounted up for engine start. As the engine caught, so was the aluminum tow bar attached to the nose gear strut. The prop's generated air current sucked up the tow bar and sent it flying across the ramp.

Small nick in the prop but regs required the engine be pulled down for a crankshaft inspection. Very expensive chore plus the aircraft was out of service for an extended period.

New squadron pre-flight reg: If interrupted during pre-flight inspection, resume the inspection at Item #1 on the check list.