Tire tread worn to the wear bars means you should

• A. Should be rotated
• B. Are safe to drive on
• C. Cannot be repaired
• D. Must be replaced

Answer: (D)

Worn tread to the wear bars means the tire has reached its minimum safe depth. The wear bars are built into the tread grooves and become flush with the tread surface when the depth hits the legal minimum (about 2/32 inch in many places). At that point, traction, especially on wet roads, is greatly reduced, increasing braking distances and the risk of hydroplaning. Rotating tires won’t restore tread depth, and once the tread is this worn, the tire isn’t safely repairable. The correct action is to replace the tire to maintain proper grip and safety.