Tire replacement question...

[PeteG]

I currently have my snows on the X5, which i keep on dedicated rims. I went downstairs to peek at my spring/summer/fall wheels in the basement to see how they were wearing (Had an alignment done back when I put the snow wheels on in December).

Here are the tread depths I found:

1) 8/32
2) 7/32
3) 5/32
4) between 4 and 5/32

By the way, the tires are all the same size, Michelin Energy's 255/55/18.

Any suggestions on how I should replace these? I'm thinking of keeping the first two with the most tread and getting 2 new (2 new on same axle). Is that a good idea? Will this throw off the balance in or affect alignment in any way? I'd love suggestions.

Thanks!!!

[cocoabrova]

I think you're on the right track, although I would just put the 7/32 and 8/32 on the front, and the other two in the rear, instead of buying new tires...

[X5 in AK]

Originally Posted by cocoabrova

I think you're on the right track, although I would just put the 7/32 and 8/32 on the front, and the other two in the rear, instead of buying new tires...

You should be just fine running them this way for another summer.
Motordavid's points are valid, too. Just keep an eye on your tires.

[cocoabrova]

You can click http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=51
for some more good info re: measuring tread depths. Keep in mind that your Michelin Energys had a tread depth of 10/32 when new....

[motordavid]

Pete,
I'm sorta with cocoabrova, if:
-you aren't planning any long haulazz trips this summer
-you are switching your summer set back to winter set maybe around
late Oct. (in Maine!),
-and you aren't down to the wear bars, which I don't think you are.

It really depends on your situ and driving plans for the next several
months, imo. If it's all local stuff and no runs to Devil's Tower and
back, I suspect those lower tread pair will do ok for several months,
mileage dependent, of course.

Otoh, I'm surprised you haven't gotten a dozen posts suggesting it's
a BMW, get 2 new or, a whole set...it's only 1200 bucks, buy 93 octane
gas, etc, lol!

Seriously, hard to give a solid opin from the back of the peanut gallery
and none of us really "knowing" your driving situ for the next several
months. At the least, I'd keep the two deeper tread for front, and I
might try to slide if I was "local" all summer.
My Qtr is up...
GL,mD

[X5Flyboy]

Best set in front should get you to next year if you don't have any long trips scheduled (or track time). Just be extra cautious on wet pavement since tread depth is shallow (ie, nowhere for the water to go = hydroplaning)