When it comes to the safety of your vehicle, an important element is driving on healthy tires. It is too common for people to allow balding tires remain on their vehicles as they drive to and from. Whether if it is to save a few buck or simple ignorance, driving on balding tires is has many risks. To help you avoid the consequences, we at Highway 30 Garage would like to discuss the dangers of balding tires.
How Do I Tell if My Tires are Bald?
Before we stress the dangers of driving with bald tires, we first would 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) Obvious Wear Bars. The tier’s wear bars are more noticeable once the tread is completely worn. Wear bars are only about the width of a pencil that runs from side to side across the base of the tread. When the tread depth reaches 2/32,” they t are the most obvious. Since the tire is no longer safe or legal for use, once the tread being worn down to the treadwear in an indicator it needs to be replaced.
2) Low Tread. You can periodically check on the tread, especially when the tire begins to be used using the penny test. These steps are listed below.
– Into a groove in the tire’s tread, place a penny and insert its edge so it touches the bottom.
– Once it is inserted into the tread, Lincoln’s head should be up.
– The tire should be replaced as this indicates the tire’s tread depth is at or below 2/32” (the legal minimum) in the event the top of Lincoln’s head is fully visible.
3) Bulges and Cracks. Particularly when you feel or hear anything unusual from them when driving, you should perform an overall visual inspection of your tires on regular basis. Any cracks or cuts deep enough that the steel belts or body cords are exposed should be looked for. Look for unusual bulges in the tread or sidewalls as well since this usually indicates internal damage as well. Have a professional inspect the tires if you are ever unsure.
Can You Drive on Balding Tires?
Driving on bald tires can result in vehicle damage from either tire failure or loss of vehicle control can be costly, in addition to being risky. Replacing bald tires immediately is essential to prevent unnecessary expenses and risks.
1) Control Loss & Highly Probable Hydroplaning. 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) Poor Braking. No matter the speed, vehicle’s brakes are trusted to work while driving. 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 the unwanted repair costs, poor braking efficiency increases the chance of being involved in an accident.
3) Likely Punctures. Because there is little remaining of the tread, bald tires are more easily punctured. A puncture could cause a blowout is feasible and will lead to flat tires from the high probability of losing of control of your vehicle.
Replace Balding Tires Immediately. It is critical that the tires are taken care of properly because we depend on our tires for our safety when driving. If they are considered bald, be proactive and replace your tires. Make certain to check your tires’ tread and keep them properly maintained to help extend their tread.
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