When it comes to the safety of your vehicle, an important element is driving on healthy tires. All too often, drivers will let the tires bald, usually over time and use. They neglect the need to replace their tires, if only to save a few bucks. Today, we at Citywide Towing Service would like to stress the dangers of driving on balding tires.
Signs of Balding Tires
Before we tackle the dangers of driving with bald tires, we first will like to take the opportunity to discuss the signs of bald tires. To help your awareness of replacing problematic tires, recognizing the signs can play a significant role.
1) Wear Bars are Visible. Tire wear bars become more noticeable when the tread is completely worn. They run across the base of the tread from side to side and are the width of a pencil. Once the tread depth reaches 2/32” is when they are the most obvious. When the tire is no longer safe or legal for use and must be replaced an indicator is the tread being worn down to the treadwear.
2) Low Tire Tread. You may check the tread with this simple and effective tread inspection at home if you suspect the tread is heavily worn.
– In the tire’s tread, place a penny and insert its edge into a groove so it touches the bottom.
– The penny should allow Lincoln’s head to be inserted into the tread.
– The tire’s tread depth is at or below 2/32” (the legal minimum) and the tire should be replaced, in the event the top of Lincoln’s head is fully visible.
3) Tire Bulges & Cracks. Especially should you feel or hear anything unusual from them when driving, you should perform an overall visual inspection of your tires periodically. Check for cracks or cuts deep enough that the steel belts or body cords are exposed. Also, look for unusual bulges in the tread or sidewalls, this can indicate internal damage as well. Have a professional inspect the tires if you are ever unsure.
Hazards of Driving on Bald Tires
From either tire failure or loss of vehicle control, driving on bald tires can result in vehicle damage can be risky as well costly. Replacing bald tires immediately can prevent unnecessary expenses and risks
1) Hydroplaning & Loss of Vehicle Control. Possible accidents, needed repairs, and hefty insurance costs can be expected when driving on bald tires in the rain as it increases the chances of skidding or hydroplaning.
2) Insufficient Braking. No matter the speed a vehicle’s brakes are trusted to work while driving. However, the tires provide traction, not the brakes. Bald tires compromise your brakes’ ability to stop by providing reduced traction when driving on anything other than a perfectly smooth road free of sand, dirt and debris. In addition to unwanted repair costs, poor braking efficiency increases the chance of being involved in an accident.
3) Punctures. Due to the lack of remaining tread, bald tires are more easily punctured. A puncture could cause a blowout is feasible in addition to the possibility of a flat tire, which rises the probability of losing of control of your vehicle.
Driving on Bald Tire Prevention. It is critical that the tires are taken care of properly since we depend on our tires for our safety when driving. When they are considered bald, be proactive and replace your tires. Be sure to check your tires’ tread and keep them properly maintained to help extend their tread life.
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