I just purchased Brdgestone Weatherpeak tires from my local Discount Tire. I chose these based on the Bridgestone website information and a few other sites on the internet. I really like the wet weather performance potential, especially as these are on my wife's Toyota Camry. After reading the warranty information, I was curious about the tread depth specification, which is 10/32 according to the Bridgetone website. So I measured the tread depth when I got home. I have a tire tread depth gage, and two other quality scales and all 3 agree with each other. I know how to measure accurately.
I was surprised that the tread measured consistently at 9/32. That might not seem like much difference, but Bridgestone (and the other tire manufacturers) make a big deal about tread depth in regards to warranty and proration. I replace tires at 4/32 based on the old Tire Rack braking study and personal experience. So out of 6/32 of wear available from the spec (10/32 - 4/32), I actually only have 5/32 of tire wear available (9/32 - 4/32). The best braking should be with the max tread depth (10/32), so I am losing out on that first 1/32 as well. I thought I would get other BITOGers thoughts before taking this to Bridgestone. Perhaps I am being OCD overboard here. Thoughts?
I was surprised that the tread measured consistently at 9/32. That might not seem like much difference, but Bridgestone (and the other tire manufacturers) make a big deal about tread depth in regards to warranty and proration. I replace tires at 4/32 based on the old Tire Rack braking study and personal experience. So out of 6/32 of wear available from the spec (10/32 - 4/32), I actually only have 5/32 of tire wear available (9/32 - 4/32). The best braking should be with the max tread depth (10/32), so I am losing out on that first 1/32 as well. I thought I would get other BITOGers thoughts before taking this to Bridgestone. Perhaps I am being OCD overboard here. Thoughts?