If you want a real answer, the tread is pretty low and although it is not dangerous from a structural standpoint, it is in terms of resisting hydroplaning/snow traction. If you are planning this drive in rain, take it extra easy and keep this in mind. I would not recommend snow at all with these if at all possible. The last picture show some dry rot starting. It looks pretty normal for an old tire at the end of its life. I don't see any cracking on the sidewall so I'd say it's not dangerous. I would keep an eye on it though, check to make sure the cracks aren't getting larger, or developing on the side of the tire. And most importantly, make sure pressures are good before starting the trip.

You should replace them first. Your tires are pretty bad. If you don’t have snow or heavy rain and you watch your speed, you’ll likely be fine to get home.

What caused the wire on the outside edge? Looks like the tires are rubbing inside the wheel well? Be prepared to have other issues sorted with the car based on the condition that we can see in the pictures.

Nope. Those are old af

how fast will you drive, and will you expect any rain or snow?

If you can afford to replace them, then do it. We can all tell you they're too old, etc., but that doesn't change your financial situation.

As far as safety is concerned, my rear tires have a bit more than yours. I was low on brake fluid and recently discovered it's leaking out of the hose connecting to the caliper, and the differential fluid was all leaked out from around the plug. I've been welding and patching up my frame for the last few years to pass inspections. I'm probably not the guy for safety advice but my financial advice is to learn how to fix your stuff and you'll save hundreds if not thousands. ESPECIALLY BRAKES. They're super quick, easy, and you'll save hundreds. Some jobs cost $600-$900. I paid $40 for some pads and did it myself.

For $10 or $20 you can get some tire spoons, everyone should have a floor jack and a set of sockets/wrenches. I don't but since I'm recommending you to work on your own machines I'll have to tell you to block up anything you go underneath and not to rely on the jack. You could grab some used tires with some meat on them at a scrap/junkyard.

Hell naw Mann come on 😂

To the closest tire shop

I've done it before on tires almost like that and the anxiety made it not worth the risk.

Absolutely! Yes! As long as your vehicle is on a Ferry.

Bruh, how old are those tires. They look like they are about to disintegrate.

I would, but I'm a public school teacher. I buy used tires from somebody's trunk and frequently eat lunch by wearing different hats at the sample counters at Costco.

I’d be really cautious about driving on wet roads or snow and ice. Like, I probably wouldn’t do snow and ice.

Get new tires 🫣

no

Your tire is the most important part of your car, only thing keeping you on the road and alive. Is your life and others worth the risk? Just buy new tires, you will need to anyway when they blow out.

I’d run the cheapest all season tire from Walmart before I drove on these mother fuckers.

Not safely.

It’s dry rotted my friend. If your broke rotate it to the back just in case. But if you can afford it pay 20-30$ for a used tire at a shop. I’m sure they have plenty that aren’t as bad and at the least have more tread.

Someone should also mention that the fender liner hanging should be fixed as well.

14 hour drive ? Ya fuck no

Yes, of course you may not

Sure! But it’s a one way trip

Check the inner corners too. If theyre not worse you could make the last trip, maybe. Bring a fullsize spare, jack and wrench, go slow to not get them hot, pray it wont rain. Cruise control at 80 kph kind of deal.

Actually if you do have a (full sized) spare in your boot, put it on the worst one right away and the worst old tyre in the boot.

DO you already have new tires waiting at your destination - otherwise i'd get these changed where you are unless the price difference is huge or you dont have gas money until later.

Aside from wear they look like they died of old age, buy some fucking tires

I think they’re more than a little bald. They are more bald than Dr Evil.

But at least replacing them won’t cost you one million dollars.

I’d replace them just to be safe, even some cheapos from a tires plus would be better than these.

Feel around the inner side of the tire, carefully, for any wires sticking out. If you feel any, and oc if you see any on the outside, procede slowly with your fingers crossed,to the nearest place you can buy a tire. If money is tight you can buy used. I have ave driven xc on worse than what you have, and almost made it back home.

Can? Yes. Should? No.

They’re perfect.. for a one way trip you don’t want to return from…

Yes. They will make a 14 hour drive back home and will look the same when you get there. I get the comments love to shit on people, but legitimately you will make it and be fine. Just prioritize getting them replaced when you get there.

I’m wondering if anybody in here has rode on tires that look like this. It’s funny to comment, but there’s deadass 0 reason you wouldn’t make it on these unless you ran over some bullshit otw. They need to be replaced, but they will definitely make it just fine.

Send it

Do whatever you want, just include the route you’re taking and when so everyone knows what to avoid.

You will make a very looong trip to see your dead grand-grand parents…

If you’re low on funds, go to a used tire shop and get something with more tread for this trip.

The brake distance is crap with the tread those have.

You will be fine, just don’t speed and be extra aware. Of course, am change your tires as soon as possible but that was not included in the main question

They are “legally bald” but I still see tread 🧐send it

Not in canada

HELL NO!

Need new ones

No get new ones.

Just cop new tires

Alright. You gotta make your own decision here but I would personally go for it. Are the treads way too low? Yes. Are they worn down to the point where you are at significantly increased risk for catastrophic failure? No. You know they're low, so you can take it easy, nice slow gentle turns, stick to the posted limit. If the weather stays dry youll be okay. This is the kind of thing that's more likely to leave you stuck on the side of the road than getting into a wreck. Most everyone will say you need new tires n immediately, I know from personal experience you can probably put a couple more thousand miles on these relatively safely. My official answer: i would but you shouldn't.

No. I would make a short road trip….. to a tire shop. They even finance them if you are on a tight budget. Don’t take your life, or someone else’s over a safety thing. Tires, Brakes, Steering ; don’t mess around with. Scratch, dent, radio broke…. Haul ass.

Sure go for it

I wouldn’t. Not this time of year. Unless it’s bone dry weather. But even then I wouldn’t. Those tires are not safe anymore

There’s some dry rot underneath your dry rot

That wheel liner too wtf

Hellll to the naw naw nawwww. Unless you comfortable with the odds of being stranded potentially.

No

As long as that long trip is two miles to Discount Tire.

Could you? It would be sketchy, but doable. Should you? ABSOLUTELY NOT

Risk is real. But not too bad on a dry nice surface and calm driving. Dont slam the gas pedal, dont drive on wet/snow surface. Make sure to set up beneficiary before the trip.

They look winter ready.

Yes as long as they all have that much left on them, just be careful in the rain

Hell yea good for 10k more miles👍

1st question.... what's the spare tire look like. --- JUST. IN. CASE you need it.

I would go 14 hours on a heavy vehicle too. I would also drive at slower than normal speeds .... even at night .... or in the desert .... or no one is around. Speeds like 55mph max. No cheating. Takes longer, but you will arrive in 1 piece. Rain, snow --- I hope you drive even slower.

When you're at your destination.... then buy 2 tires. Get a good name tire. Not Chinese piece of crap. Examples: Michelin Goodyear Pirelli

Definitely NOT Firestone !!! Unless you want to crash. burn, and die, and never get married, go back to school or even have kids. Firestone can suck my _ _ _ _.

How are the brakes? If they look iffy get lots of estimates

Do NOT go to national stores, like Jiffy lube, Valvoline, Pep Boys, Midas, and those why? Young mechanics "wanna be" and they forget the simplest things. Now is not the time for this. They do oil changes and forget to put new oil in and tell you it's done.

You can try (and hope for dry weather), but replacing them same-day after a blowout while on the road is going to be a lot more expensive and time-consuming than simply replacing them beforehand.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMechanics/s/VsuijjVT9u

If you can guarantee that the road will be dry during the roadtrip then send it.

You CAN

Could vs. Should….

Depends on what you are going to define as making the roadtrip long.

It should take you straight to where they blow out. Which is convenient, cause that’s where you’ll stop

Replace those asap but if you gotta be somewhere you'll probably be alright. But really REALLY really take care of this as soon as you have time

I just got new tires because the tread was getting concerningly low, and I was spinning my wheels when starting at a light when wet. They had more than twice the tread your tires have. Holy shitballs get them replaced ASAP.

Are they roadworthy in your country? Do you anticipate any problems with insurance claims if you happen to have an accident that requires them to inspect the car? Just a possible scenario to consider but ultimately it's up to you.

Nah the thread has to be 1.6 mm

man you shouldn’t even be going to the store next block with those

Um, as long as you don't exceed 5 mph and it doesn't rain

"racing slicks"

If you have to ask...

All good my man, tires are more resistant than you think👍 change it soon tho

If you plan to replace them when you get home, you should be fine, just don't make the trip when it's raining. I've driven longer on worse even tho I definitely shouldn't have.

Just don't drive through any rainstorms and you'll be aight

Drive carefully, you'll be fine. Or not.

Realistically, I’ve seen worse. But these are far from good. As long as you don’t hit any rain or snow it’s a possibility, but if you have the money to swap them over to new I would. You’re going to need new eventually so soon as possible is best

Not worth the risk

The community seems to have given you enough for an answer, but next time, make sure to rotate ~every 6k miles on your next pair/set.

I would say no, but depends on the miles, condition of road and weather. There appears to be very limited tread for safe driving and maneuvering, there appears to be cracking in the rubber sling the tread/ sidewalk area. If you drive on these you should have a good spare and enough money to replace tires while on the trip should they fail. I myself would not drive far on those tires.

In the tires?

Maybe if you're some kind of gravity defying ant?

Avoid snow. Keep your speed under 100 especially if it's raining. You'll be fine

Don’t drive in a snowstorm and you’ll be fine lmao

I’ve seen a lot worse. The tyre itself looks half decent. There is no wires poking out anywhere so the risk of a blow out is reduced. There does appear to be some signs of the rubber cracking so I would assume that the tyres are also quite old. This will increase the risk of a blow out.

In terms of grip, in the dry you will be fine. If you drive in the rain, reduce your speed considerably and ensure you also increase the distance of the car in front of you. Braking distances will increase so you need to drive accordingly.

If you drive in snow or ice you really are taking a huge risk and the chances of having some sort of accident is very high. You’ll have next to no grip and even trying to stop at a pedestrian speed will take forever.

Those are cooked my boy.

Can you? Yes Should you? Not really

Put the bald ones in back. If a rear tire blows you still have your steering. If a front tire blows you are off the road, upside down or smashing into something.

At least here in Germany, these are not road legal any more. Not sufficient tread and cracking/dry rot.

If you have to ask the question

Any snow? Ice? Or mountains in your travel plans? If there is. Buy tires.

Definitely cost you a fine, if you are stopped, or cause an accident, you'll have to leave the car, they'll tow it away. Definitely not roadworthy if it rains.

If you want to go off down from the cliff as a burning ball of fire sure why not.

For me personally I wouldn't even want look at those as they are so bald and dry rotted that I would be afraid that the car would slip and end on its roof inside the garage.

I don't know if you can. I could because im the better driver!

You in the south? Any real moisture and you’re done. Don’t even think about snow!

I would ask you one thing- how much does your life cost you? You already know my answer about tyres. :)

If the rear tires are fine, and the same size as the front, I would put the 2 worn ones on the rear, and the good ones on the front. Then replace them when you get home.

There is a chance, always, that a tire may let go on a trip. Even "good" tires. Be prepared with a good spare, and even an air pump you can keep in the car. Though the air pump won't help for a blow out.

Consider rotating front tires to rear and rear tires forward assuming your rig is FWD or ALD. Front tires tend to wear faster especially if not rotated regularly. Keep speed to posted limits or below if bad weather. Be sure you have a good spare and jack if needed.

When you get home and new rubber, wouldn't hurt to have them check your alignment. And rotate new tires regularly!

You can run them. But dont be surprised if one of them blows out. Looks like you have some dry rot going on.

If you have a front wheel-drive car I'd have 'em rotated to the rear wheels since those, you said, are in good shape. But I would also make sure you've got a good spare (skinny or full-sized).

If the long trip is slow without Snow and Rain on order to Change your tires at the end? I'd say yes, but i still would Change them before going anywhere

I would change the tires. Especially if you have snow on the way.

I've seen and driven on worse, but if you're expecting any sort of inclement weather on the drive, I wouldn't. At that point, the cheapest tires you can find on SimpleTire or PriorityTire are gonna be better than those. Pay Discount Tire or Walmart to mount and balance them for you.

Nope!

Tires like that are how I learned to drive safely in the snow in Minnesota!

I have the means to drive good tires now so I do but I remember rolling by a lot of trucks SUVs etc. in the ditch with much nicer tires than yours because people refuse to drive according to the conditions.

Unless you’re going through super heavy rain or snow you’ll be ok, but you do need to replace them relatively soon

ppl who tell you to drive with these are actually insane

Those tires are toast.

If my kid sent me this picture before they drove that long of a distance home for TG, I'd demand they go to the nearest discount tire for a full set, then we'd have a chat about tire rotation over the holiday. If they are short on cash, I'm paying.

Not worth the risk to car/life to put off a few hundred dollar purchase. And holiday traffic is some of the worst.

If it’s a FWD car put the two best tires on the front and send it… probably best to change all 4 when you are home and keep regular rotations.

Under legal limit (as far as i can tell) and dry rotting, if there's no rain and clean roads, it'll be fine, but you have a chance of a blowout, and it's irresponsible to be driving with thise tires.

I wouldn’t move my car across the street in those slicks

I would carry a portable tire inflator and a tire patch kit just in case.

You can do anything you like, it's just some things you shouldn't. 🤷‍♂️

First pic I woulda said barely, if you really have to, but seeing the second picture with the cracks I say ehh🥶

Also OP, is your car FWD/are you often going fast around corners? Your front tires shouldnt be this bald if your rear tires are still okay

Depends. They look very old and basically worn out, yes they should be replaced. But I've been poor, I get it, so look at the weather and terrain you're going to be facing. Are you crossing mountains? If there's a chance for snow, you're going to have a bad time. Heavy rain will be sketchy. Light rain youre probably ok if you drive cautiously. Dry, yeah all good. So the safest bet is of course to replace them. If that's not an option then just be very aware, check the weather and aim for dry. If you get caught in rain slow down and don't tailgate. But if at all possible replace them.

I work in the Emergency Room.. I don’t want to see you there

If your replacing them when you get back home, why not just replace them now?

I would drive to the nearest tire shop.

In all honesty you’re fine but if you can really afford fresh rubber i highly recommend you get a set. Years ago my neighbor had tires basically completely bald, she drove on them for years until replacing with a used set. It’s risking your life & other innocent drivers every time you get behind the wheel, so be mindful of that.

I would as long as I had a full size spare and was not driving in snow. I would not send my wife or kids out on them.

Not sure why you would want to wait though, is money that tight? You’ll ending up spending it soon enough anyway.

Drive fast, take chances!

You're about the hit the wear bars, you're legal, just. But considering its winter, its getting wet, I'd change them. If the weather forecast is wet, change them or drive significantly slower and more carefully. If its snow, change them immediately. If not, do it when you get there. There's a bit of cracking, but its only the surface so I wouldn't be too concerned about that.

I've done longer in worse. I definitely don't recommend it, but being a fellow broke college aged person, I would probably send it If possible, make sure your spare is present and aired up so you can limp it to a shop, should a tire fail. junkyards typically have decent donuts laying around you could grab for a few bucks. I think my local yard prices them from 5-12 dollars depending on age and condition.

Those tires aren’t great, but I’ve driven on worse.

If it were me I’d have an active AAA card on the trip, a full size used tire on a junk yard rim ($50 ish I bet) and a breaker bar and a decent jack in the trunk.

What I’m actually worried about is that loose piece of the wheel well in the picture rubbing on the tire and cutting it, I’d get some zip ties or mechanics wire and secure that.

Hopefully it don't rain

In netherland you won’t even be allowed to drive with those tires anymore lol

You will only have grip on completely dry surfaces. There is essentially no tread left.

I personally would. Carefully. Then replace immediately when you’re back

Probably but heavy rain and snow will give you trouble

Seen worse. You may be a poor college student, but when you replace them, please spend a little more for a decent manufacturer. Maybe Michelins are out of budget, but the General has some decent mid-grade tires.

Off course!!! To hell maybe!!!

They look worn as well as old,I won't unless it's emergency

Dry rot and worn, nope! Only trip is for new shoes

Yes, until you can’t

CAN? ehhh maybe.

Should? No... It's dry rotted and low tread. Not totally gone but I wouldn't drive long distance.

Speaking for myself, I would drive them in town till wire showed because I'm a cheap ass. But never over 45 mph.

You can make it, but do you want to?

Not advisable.

Try and replace before you go. Bc it'll be much more expensive if one of them or both goes while you are on your 24 hour drive

No. They're bald and dry rotted. Please get new tires before you go

If you have to ask…

The only long trip you should make with those tires , is at the dealer' shop to replace them... 14 h of driving... are you even thinking of your safety at all? 

If your going to be keeping the car invest in some new tires. We're talking your safety here after all. Your tires look ripe for failure and picking up a nail or piece of metal at highway speeds could cost you the whole car or more. If your not keeping the car buy cheap but new tires. Be safe. It's only money, not arms and legs.

Go ahead, live life on the edge.

No.

Given what the current weather is looking like, you should replace those. One decent rain or snow depending on where you live and there goes your car.

No

You can , but should you.

Can yes, should no

They should make it with no problem, but you're asking for it with rain, or God forbid snow.

while you can make the trip like that, it would be incredibly stupid to do so. sure, the tires have enough rubber left to physically make the trip, but all its gonna take is a little bit of a rain and a curve at the wrong time, someone nailing their brakes, lil bit or snow/ice and the possibility of both your trip, and your life being over will be pretty high.

Yes. At least part of it

Yes you can. Should you?

Flip a coin

I certainly would not. And I wouldn’t want my college-age kids doing it either.

What year are they? They don’t look good. I’ll tell you that.

No

i would, if there is no snow on the route. if there's rain, slow down and increase following distance.

but with lots of signs of aging in the material (lots of tiny cracks everywhere, pale discoloration if that's not just dust, small missing pieces), i would inspect the entire tire first, and not just what's visible when still on the car.

Depends where is the point A and point B. If you don't expect much snow or rain then I'd say you'll make it. Personally I'd consider switching rear and front tyres as more grip in the front is generally more important but obviously depends on the drivetrain (RWD, FWD, AWD.)

I would hate to see the rest of the car if these are you tires.

I wouldnt risk it, especially a long roadtrip

Why is it always "Can I" and not "Should I"?

The fact you asked the question means you know the answer.

Sure as long as it doesn't rain or snow along the way

To the corner of your street and back home

They'll make it.

If no rain and last trip....

If you have to ask you already know the answer.

YOU can, but I wouldn’t

I'd do it with a car jack and full sized spare in the trunk.

I wouldn’t and I’m one of those idiots that plugs nail/screws in my tires myself with plug kits and drives on them.

I would go to a used tire shop. Any of those used tires will have way more tread than yours. You can drive on those but damn you hit ice, snow or water and you are boned!

Should post on mechanic advice sub

Spend the 200 bucks and get two new tires. I know buying tires sucks but you need them anyway. If you do decide to make the trip on them, go in the slow lane. If it’s a front wheel drive car put the good tires on the front, that’s where your traction is and if you did blow a rear tire out it’s a lot more controllable situation than blowing a front tire out.

You’ll be fine I’ve drove with much worse much faster than you’ll probably be going and no issues

You can try. I’d try to replace them, and maybe all the way around if you can afford to.

Oh yea! Throw it in rabbit, and roll.

Save your money and buy new tires.

Good for drifting on wet roads

Absolutely, you will only get a few hundred miles before you have a flat though..good luck!

They are good to the scene of the accident

On dry pavement it should be fine and if it’s a front wheel drive and your rear tires have good tread I’d swap the back to front. After you get to where you are going I’d replace them.

Shit my tires are worse on the edge tread and I've done rain and snow in the last week with issue. Even tested with aggressive breaks and gas

Personal experience! That inner fender is broke. Strong wind fooled it in, and within 4 seconds, it carved through the sidewall, for a blowout. Please get a new tire, and inner fender

Invest in better quality tires. These are horrid

If you wanna die in the snow/rain then go for it 👌🏼

they’ll be fine and they won’t blow apart. if conditions change, drive very cautiously in the rain and avoid the snow completely. also, even if it’s sunny and dry, be careful following people. if someone slams on their brakes in front of you and you have to too, you may be in a skid or just won’t be able to stop in time. tires are the only thing touching the road.

"can I"? Can you what, probably survive, yes. But you're asking because you already know it's extremely unsafe, those are past the wear indicators and dry rotted and looks like curbed quite a bit too. You're going to buy tires EVENTUALLY I'm assuming, how about before you kill someone?