Tread worn down tires to the wear bars means your tires

• A. You should replace them now
• B. Need to be replaced
• C. They are safe to drive
• D. Require only rotation

Answer: (B)

Tire tread wear bars show when the tread depth has fallen to the minimum safe level. When the tread is flush with these bars, the tire can’t grip the road well, especially in wet conditions, which increases stopping distances and the risk of hydroplaning. Because of that, the tires need to be replaced. Rotating them won’t restore the lost traction, and it isn’t safe to regard tires at wear-bar depth as acceptable to drive on. In Michigan, the minimum legal tread is about 2/32 inch, which is why reaching the wear bars means replacement is required.