I've been bad and hadn't rotated my tires in the first 18,000 miles. I just used a dial micrometer to measure the depth in each of the four 'groves' in each of my OEM Firehawk 205/60R15s. I think that I've lucked out--all tires have worn evenly, LF@0.210", RF@0.200", LR@0.250", RR@0.250".
I cleaned (I have been more dilligent with cleaning the rims) and rotated them, installed locks, and torqued them all down to 85 ft lbs (they were at 95ft# without any rotor issues). My alignment seems fine (tracks weakly to right in right lane @ 70MPH, weakly to the left in left lane--apparently a crowned highway).
At any rate, my car corners again! I hadn't really noticed the degradation in cornering with tire wear, but it is obvious now that I have near original cornering again. I can't wait until I get some Michelins on this thing (probably Artic Alpins on steels for the winter, then replace Firehawks with X-Ones on alloys in the spring).
Does anyone know the tread depth on new Firehawks? Or how far down they can wear before becoming *completely* worthless? Also, does anyone have any experience with the Michelins that I've set my heart on (and OT paycheck probably)?
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1999 Contour SE Sport MTX75 Toreador Red/Greystone
Born on 01/21/99, Adopted new 08/30/99, 17k & counting.
Current MODS:
Mobil 1 5W-30, Pioneer TS-A6855 Speakers x4, Bosch wipers, air box resonator removed.
'Soon' MODS:
Donnelly Mirror, 50W amber fogs, cargo net, cup holder.
'Stuck in Appropriations Commitee' MODS:
MP3 CD-Player Head Unit, 195/70R14 Artic-Alpin.
Pending Warranty Claims:
Driver's power seat slip, MTX75 issues, IP warping (01/20/99 manf.)
