How do you measure tire tread wear?

[Desmo]

I am coming up on 11,000 miles and I would like to know how much tread I have left on my tires before I need to change them. How do you measure this?

First of all how much does a new tire start with? How much should you have left to drive safely? At what point or measurement do you need to change them? And what is the technique used to measure the wear? Do you need a special tool?

Thanks

[N4C5S]

Most modern day passenger car tires have wear bars that run across the width of the tire......Look for these raised spots inbetween the tread...if the top of the tread is even with the wear bar, its time to replace.....

JC

[rickyrocket]

let me know if you find a deal...i am close at 7000 (rear of course)

[Subdriver]

Desmo,
Don't just look at the outside edge wear blocks. The insides, especially in the front with lots of negative camber, can wear faster. Make sure you turn your wheel hard over and take a good look at the inside front edge.