Okay, guys, I need your help

[wynand32]

So, here's a pic of one of the front tires on my son's Mazda3. The other one is just as bad.

We're having the hardest time convincing him to 1) get these replaced and 2) stop driving on them unless absolutely essential. And certainly, don't drive fast on them.

Will you guys weigh in and help convince him that he needs to do something?

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[IPOGT]

Is your son good at science? Kind of a silly question…Because if he is, and it rains to any degree at your location, he’d already have them. Simple physics is key player here.
Btw, if you have an accident and they happen to notice that you have bald tires, your insurance company might deny coverage for lack of proper maintenance.

 

[wynand32]

Is your son good at science? Kind of a silly question…Because if he is, and it rains to any degree at your location, he’d already have them.
Btw, if you have an accident and they happen to notice that you have bald tires, your insurance company might deny coverage for lack of proper maintenance.

That's a great point about the insurance, thanks. Passing it along.

 

[coz0502]

Those tires are fine, assuming your son's driving style doesn't require him to stop quickly, drive on uneven terrain or driving in poor weather. Other than that, he'll be fine. Hell, they are almost slicks, tell him to take it to the track

 

[Biggus Dickus]

In So Cal on dry roads he'll probably be OK for a short period. They appear to be wearing evenly (even though the out side edge is taking most of the abuse) and no cords are showing. That said, he got his money's worth out of them. Time to go to Costco

 

[Inthehighdesert]

Is he on your insurance? Car in your name? Either of those I’d take the keys. If that is the case and you don’t take the keys, you’re responsible. The privilege of driving isn’t for every one. His behavior and lack of responsibility is clearly demonstrating that. I’m sure you know everyone thinks there isn’t an issue until there is. Best of luck.

 

[Hack]

I think in LA he can get by for quite a bit longer. Just tell him to park it if there's any rain.

Once the cords are visible, then for sure it will be time to change them.

 

[wynand32]

Is he on your insurance? Car in your name? Either of those I’d take the keys. If that is the case and you don’t take the keys, you’re responsible. The privilege of driving isn’t for every one. His behavior and lack of responsibility is clearly demonstrating that. I’m sure you know everyone thinks there isn’t an issue until there is. Best of luck.

He is on our insurance, but he’s also 23 and the car is his. So taking away the keys is problematic. He has no money, so if we take him off our insurance, as we should, he’ll be unable to drive at all. No drive, no job, etc.

It’s all a mess, but we’re trying at least to get him in a safer place if nothing else.

 

[Inthehighdesert]

At the very least he should have his own car insurance policy, even if you help cover the cost. If something bad were to happen while on your insurance make no mistake they will come after you for whatever you have that they can get. It is what it is. It seems you know what needs to happen just dont want to take the no doubt crappy steps that are needed. I feel for ya, I have twin boys(six) and have gone through these things in my head for down the road.

He is on our insurance, but he’s also 23 and the car is his. So taking away the keys is problematic. He has no money, so if we take him off our insurance, as we should, he’ll be unable to drive at all. No drive, no job, etc.

It’s all a mess, but we’re trying at least to get him in a safer place if nothing else.

 

[wynand32]

At the very least he should have his own car insurance policy, even if you help cover the cost. If something bad were to happen while on your insurance make no mistake they will come after you for whatever you have that they can get. It is what it is. It seems you know what needs to happen just dont want to take the no doubt crappy steps that are needed. I feel for ya, I have twin boys(six) and have gone through these things in my head for down the road.

Yeah, good advice. Probably something we should look into sooner rather than later. It's likely to be a lot more expensive on his own policy, given our multi-policy discount and other benefits. But you're right, there's a real risk there.

 

[Johnny Rockit]

Kids know everything. At the very least rotate those to the rear. When they blow it is easier to control if not on the front. And very light brakes to prevent a spin/crash situation.

 

[Bikeman315]

Hi Mark. This is an unfortunate situation but there is a clear path to follow for resolution. But buckle up because this is going to be harsh. I'm writing this not as a Mustang enthusiast but as a parent (two daughters, 47 & 44).

He may be your son but he is also an adult even if he is acting like a spoiled two year old. Treat him as such. What he is doing could cause possible harm to himself and others. It could also but you in server financial distress. It appears he doesn't care about the possible repercussions of his actions so it is up to you.

Time to sit him down to have a man to man. Try to explain this to him one last time. Tell him if he doesn't do what is necessary you are pulling him from your policy. and then do it. It's going to be difficult but it is for his own good. He's 23 he will have to figure it out.

If he still will not budge then you have a choice to make. Let him learn the hard way if his decision goes south. It could ruin his life & others and possible yours. But it is what it is. The other choice is for you to buy him tires. He learns nothing and will believe he won (he did). At least he will not kill himself or anyone else. This time.

I wish you the best of luck. This isn't going to be easy but it can and has to be done.

 

[MattMPA]

As I often seem to say lately, "someone has to be the adult". My brother in law had a similar situation. When I mentioned the tires to him, he responded "I just drive". I straightened him out about hydroplaning, having a wreck, etc. The fact that he can't afford to get another car if that one is wrecked seemed to hit home.

wynand32, that car needs to be parked until new tires are on. Since it's on your policy, you're going to have to deal with the BS that happens in the event of an accident.

I'm sorry, "only driving when essential", etc., is BS. Park the car. Pull the plate. Do whatever you have to do until new tires are on. If there's no consequence, there's no reason for the young man to take care of business. If you are the father here, I don't understand why you need folks from a forum to help persuade your son to do as you expect. If he's adult enough to make all these decisions, he's old enough for his own insurance, registration, etc.

I truly don't mean to sound harsh, and I hope it's not taken that way. I have friends with a 30-something son who quit his well paying job because he didn't want to work Saturdays. Drove his car through deep water and hydro locked the engine. Now he hasn't worked in well over a year, has no car...spends his time playing video games. How do the parents reward him? They take him on vacation.

 

[Hack]

I agree with everything you guys are saying, but I drove a lot on worn out tires when I was a kid. I'd be really surprised if none of you did.

Heck, I used to find out after the first snowfall that I really needed some tires - even when I was living on my own for years. I remember in my teens getting stuck many times due to crappy tires.

I think telling him he should get tires is enough. If you want to take him off the insurance policy, I would understand that. At 23 he really should be paying his own. If he can't afford it, then there's always mass transit or a bicycle.

 

[Bikeman315]

I agree with everything you guys are saying, but I drove a lot on worn out tires when I was a kid. I'd be really surprised if none of you did.

Not here. I picked up my first car (66’ Fairlane GTA) and drove it straight to my dad’s mechanic. It was winter so they put snow tires on before I drove it again. Safety first, always.

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