Safe to drive on bald tires?

[laxwmatt]

Went out this morning. sometime in the last few weeks, my tires have significantly worn down.

My rear tires are SHOT. I mean zero tread. but the thing is they passed inspection less than 5 weeks ago. and i mean clearly passed with months to go. I have no idea why that is but I have the paperwork at home.

I have new tires and rims coming in 2 weeks anyway. would you think it's safe to drive on them for then? My fronts have plenty of tread left.

the thing is, they're still sticking, i'm not spinning out all the time or anything. the right rear actually has a patch that looks like a real slick. it's scary.

I knwo i can survive 2 weeks but I also know that I'd rather drive another family member's car for sake of safety. anyone? :help

[LateApex]

In the dry, you'll be fine; after all, race cars drive on slick tires. BUT if it looks like it may rain, I'd leave the car at home. Without tread to evacuate water, you may hydroplane. If you get into an accident, you could be in trouble from a liability standpoint. Its not worth the risk, IMO.

[Gary-TulZa]

Why is is going to take 2 weeks to get the new ones?

I'd keep the speed WAY down if you decide to keep driving on them. Personally, I wouldn't risk a blowout FWIW...

[laxwmatt]

Why is is going to take 2 weeks to get the new ones?

I'd keep the speed WAY down if you decide to keep driving on them. Personally, I wouldn't risk a blowout FWIW...
that's my concern. reason being is the rims i ordered are on back-order for another 10 days and then I can pick them up from my parents house (where they're getting delivered) that Friday.

I thought about keeping them and swaping out next weekend for another car but I really should just not drive it.

What bugs me is that it passed inspection last month.

[bigbris1]

I think you already answered your own question.

[MaloventEvil]

let me answer your question with experience. no. dont drive with bald tires. that is the main reason my car died :(

[Daved]

I hydroplaned on bald tires, drive another car or take the bus 'till you get the new wheels.

[laxwmatt]

bus no, another car yes... already working on it. thanks for the advice.

just pissed b/c i don't know how they could have gone down the tubes in 6 weeks...

[ghettozn]

Hey post pictures of your bald tires, i want to compare them to mine to see if i need to replace mine also.

[laxwmatt]

when i say bald, i mean BALD. I'm talking zero tread on two certain parts...it's bad

[ghettozn]

So its super smooth surface?

[black_box]

minimum legal thickness is 2/32" in most states. stick a penny in the tread, upside down, and the tread should cover at least part of lincoln's head.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/replacewhen.jsp

[ghettozn]

cool thanks :D

[PENER]

because of new wheels coming soon and potential problem with rear suspention geometry I would seriously consider having aligment done. my $0.02. good luck

[acitydweller]

personally, i'd hold off driving on baldies if i had an extra car. IMHO Not worth the risk of an accident .