It looks like 2/32 is the absolute minimum. I am at 4/32-6/32. Is it time to change or shall wear it down to 2/32?
Regardless of wear, if they have hit the 8 year mark, replace. If they are newer and you drive in heavy rain, definitely start looking when you’re at 4/32. Otherwise, you have some, but not much, time. Better safe than sorry.
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How old are your tires? Tires can age out in roughly 8-10 years. All tires have date codes. Also, how are the tires wearing? Evenly?
As for wearing your tires down to the minimum of 2/32nds? Seriously? All that connects you to the road are those 4 tires. Better to replace them early than too late. Those tires help reduce braking distance in an emergency stop.
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Older page that describes the effects of tire wear on tire performance:
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So odd. I just went on an automobile maintenance forum and asked “if my college application list of schools had enough safety schools” and “whether or not an open curriculum was really for me”.
I was told in no uncertain terms I was in the wrong place.
Apparently CC folks are much more eclectic and diverse in their areas of expertise.
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It’s the parent CAFE which is specifically for CC users to ask questions NOT about college. Lots of good vacation, remodeling, wedding, gift, well…just about anything in the Cafe!
Welcome.
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I was totally kidding (and apparently doing it poorly). Sorry!!
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Well, you would be laughed out of the F-Chat and RennList forums in a hurry. 
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I think it depends on both the time of year and your driving ability/risk tolerance.
Tires typically start at 10/32, so 6/32 is only down half of the usable tread. Both of the very conservative service departments I deal with suggest replacement at 4/32, only getting a bit more urgent at 3/32 or below.
Personally, I drive them to 2/32 or below, replacing them when it’s time for our required state inspection or the approach of winter.
The CR article above is actually pretty well written, IMHO.
“consider shopping for new ones on your car or truck closer to the 4/32-inch groove depth.” Not the scary “you’re going to crash at anything less than 8/32” that you’ll find at a tire dealer, based on braking distances at 70mph driving in a monsoon with an inch of standing water.
It describes the increased braking distances (8 feet, for example) under wet conditions and the trade off with improved braking and handling, due to less tread squirm, in dry conditions.
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I don’t drive much. 45,000 on my car in the 10 or so years I have owned it, and I bought new tires for improved traction the second winter. But in the last few months a single tire was consistently loosing pressure, if holding for a number of months before going flat again. As I had bought at Goodyear, I had them inspect and attempt to fix, which they did by cleaning up the bead in that tire. But they said my tires, despite plenty of tread were just plain too old and no longer safe. They said anything on their shelves or displays is tossed after 4 years. I was astounded, but now am the proud owner of 4 new tires.
A few years back, setting off on a road trip with a friend, I realized after a day that her tires were well worn. And the pressure was low. Funny how the handling of her Prius improved with appropriate air pressure! We made it from CO to Arizona and back, barely. That we were in remote spots en route gives me pause, still. I think I’ll check out the appearance of tire tread more consistently on other folks cars in future if riding along out of town.
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The old quote from the generic tire dealer. 
Oy. 
Again, you have to know the age and condition of the tire first. Rubber degrades with time. How often does one get an alignment? If the tires are old (8-10 years), then replace them. If the tires have worn more on the outside or inside, or have cupped, then replace them and get an alignment.
Also, search “panic stopping.” Less tread depth will affect braking distance. Roughly, every 2/32nd’s of tread depth is about 100’ +/- (more or less) of extra of stopping distance at 70mph. And blowouts are more likely to occur with less rubber.
2/32nds is the legal minimum, but personally, I think you’re gambling with your life and that of your passengers, if you want to take it that low. “Cheaping out” on tires? SMH.
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It can also depend on how much time your car (and tires) sits in the sun. I used to park in a garage or under a cover the majority of the time and my tires lasted longer. Now I park in the street and the tires don’t last as long. The good news for that is that I get a pretty good credit when I buy new tires because of the guaranty of a certain number of miles on the tires.
I can’t imagine going 8-10 years. I used to have snow tires and regular tires, so tires only on the car 6 months per years, and I don’t think either set lasted more than 5 years.
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We drive our cars a lot and we take long road trips in them too. H said that our tires usually last about 40K miles.
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Probably why people put tire covers on the tires of their RVs and trailers when they are parked for a while between uses.
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Not everyone drives their car(s) every day or even month. 
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Right. I have a 20 year old car with 170k miles. But I’ve had many more than 4 sets of tires. My last set didn’t have 30k miles on them but my car now is parked on the street and not in a garage, so there is sun rot. Even when I parked outside in Florida, I parked in a garage while at work so 4-5 days per week the car was out of the sun and the tires lasted longer. Not so any more. However, if the tires are guaranteed for 50k and I’ve only put 30 on them, I get a nice credit toward the new set.
I love my boys at Discount Tire. They are honest with me and I don’t have to guess when I need new tires (or air, or rotation). Only complaint is since covid the magazine selection is not as good.
It is less than 2 years old, about 20,000 miles. It feels a bit soon to get new tires. Mostly freeway driving. They are more worn on the outside than the middle. Is that cupping? The climate is mostly dry, not much rain or snow.
@Iglooo if your tires are wearing unevenly, please have your alignment checked. Do you rotate your tires regularly? And check that your tire pressure is OK on a regular basis too.
We get tires that are rated for 40-45K miles. They typically last 40,000 miles or so. We rotate front to back…and if the swanky alignment check when you drive in for service says we need an alignment, we get one.
Re: replacement…if it’s borderline but the snowy time of the year is coming, we replace before winter.
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I could wait. Drive another 5,000 miles? It will be well before winter. They check for alignment and rotation when I take it in for service.
Random wear spots on the tire aka “scalloping.” Google for pics, if you’re thinking that’s a potential problem.
Age and mileage aren’t the issues in your case. Yes, more worn on the outside than the middle of the tires is an issue, if that’s accurate.
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