Is it time to replace my tires?????

[SoCal Rebell]

Well my 2000 RT/10 turns 1 year old this Monday, I have just under 10,000 street miles on her. I have the stock 18" Michelin Pilot Sports on and they don't look too bad. I was wondering if there is a certain mileage that they should be replaced at, or how to measure them, I know of the Lincoln penny forhead method but does that apply to these high performance tires. Also is there a better brand to replace them with.

Motorless Ron (but only for 3 more weeks)

 

[Ulysses]

Look for the tread wear bars on street tires.

 

[ACR Joe]

I just received a replacement set of Michelin Pilot Sport C1's which are made specifically for the Viper. My car is a 99 ACR with 14,000 miles on the odometer. The old tires have 7/32 and 6/32 front to rear respectively, so lots of meat left for sure. The tires developed a vibration at ~100 mph, probably from a few track events, and I could not accept a possible compromise to safety so new rubber it is. I considered having the old tires shaved and re-balanced but numerous responses to my query suggested that that would not be a wise alternative. I've got new rubber and I'm happy!

 

[Marv S]

Just some fyi: The C1 label is only on the 18" Sports. There is not a "Viper specific" 17" Sport so don't knock yourself out looking for it.

Also, vibration after track events can often be due to losing a wheel weight after hot, hard braking softens the adhesive.

Digressing, I get a good laugh when guys at the car shows are talking about their vast Viper racing. Then I look at the stock caliper letters and see they are snow white.

 

[SoCal Rebell]

Ulysses, what and where are treadwear bars??? And don't worry I will not sell you short again, can you act? Need a job?

 

[Ulysses]

They are in between the treads. They protrude a few milimeters from the bottom of the tread well and are spaced about a foot apart from each other in the well. They are a guide for street tires to let you know they are getting thin on top to where the tires are not guaranteed by the manufacturer to perform to spec on the street. When the tread is getting thin on top, you can stand back and see what looks like a bar/line going across the top of the tire in approximately 1 foot intervals.

 

[Ulysses]

heh heh

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Dude! If only my wife would let me. I think she'ld have a few reservations about me having a new ...ahem... position in the industry. Hah!

 

[Ulysses]

OUCH!!!!
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My guess is that you average Joe's are lacking the cubic inches in your Snakes for SoCal's type of driving.
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[SoCal Rebell]

Don't sell Ulysses short I heard he is taller laying on his back!!!!!! (hehehe)
I'm off the the Consumers Electronc Show
in Vegas, lots of actress, lots of wild parties.

Ron (SoCal Rebell)