Checking your tire treads is an essential monthly task for any driver, both for car performance and for road safety. We all know how important safe driving is, whether it’s not answering your phone, double-checking your blind spot, or making sure your car has enough fuel. However, the safest drivers in the world could be at risk if they don’t check their tire treads regularly. We take a look at how checking your tire treads could save your life, the dangers of worn-down tires, and how to know when to replace your tires.
Why Checking Your Tire Treads Matters
Checking your tire treads is quick and easy and it could greatly reduce the chance of having an accident that needs towing. Once your vehicle treads have been worn down, they lose many of the features which make the vehicle perform well on the road, like grooves for grip and air circulation. Driving with worn down tires can also increase the chances of hydroplaning and they are more prone to punctures which could leave you stranded.
Why Are Tire Treads Important?
Tire treads are the part of the tire that touches the ground. Treads have ridges and grooves that are designed to improve performance and help the tires grip the road. Over time, tires are worn down by road surfaces and this can affect the ability of the tire to grip the road. Once tires are worn down, they can be a serious safety concern and even a risk to life. The deeper the grooves in the tire, the better the stability of the car as flattened-out grooves can be especially dangerous if you are driving at high speeds.
The Dangers of Driving With Worn-Out Tires
Because tire treads are so important for gripping the road, they are also essential for fast braking. It can be harder to stop a vehicle with worn-down treads and could potentially be fatal on the road or in a busy area. Worn down tires are also dangerous at high speeds because of heat build-up. This can lead to a tire getting too hot and blowing out while the car is moving. When new tires with deep grooves are in contact with the road, it allows air to pass through and reduces the temperature of the tire.
When Do Tires Need to Be Replaced?
Most experts recommend that you should replace your tires as soon as the tread reaches 4/32″ to avoid the chance of accidents caused by worn-out tires. Use a tread depth gauge to measure the tire’s tread depth or use a penny or quarter as a reference. In the United States, if a tire has a tread depth that is 2/32″ or lower, your tires need to be replaced immediately and are legally bald.