Tread Lightly

Worn Tires Put Drivers at Risk
AAA Car Care

Summer showers could make for a treacherous commute thanks to an unlikely suspect — tires. While the only thing keeping a vehicle on the road are four patches of rubber, each about the size of a smartphone, many drivers fail to replace worn tires when it’s time.

Previous AAA research finds that when compared to new ones, worn tires need an average increased stopping distance of 87 feet for a passenger car and 86 feet for a light truck. More than the length of a semi-truck.

Tires keep cars connected to the road. Even the most advanced safety systems rely on a tire’s basic ability to maintain traction, and AAA’s testing shows that wear has a significant impact on how quickly a vehicle can come to a stop in wet conditions to avoid a crash.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR TIRE IS WORN DOWN?
The answer may be in your pocket. Slip a quarter between your tire grooves and look for Washington’s head — if you can it, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.

The less tread your tire has, the higher the probability it could completely lose contact with the road in wet conditions and hydroplane.

 

WET WEATHER TIPS

To help navigate slick conditions, AAA recommends that drivers:

  • Avoid using cruise control to stay alert and to respond quickly if the car loses traction with the road.
  • Slow down and avoid hard braking and sharp turning. If possible, follow in the tracks of other vehicles.
  • Increase following distance in case of sudden stops.
  • Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction the vehicle should be going if the car begins to hydroplane. Don’t jam on the brakes — this can cause the vehicle to skid.

If you need new tires or want a trusted mechanic to inspect your current tire treads, make an appointment at your local AAA Approved Auto Repair facility or AAA’s owned and operated Car Care Center in Halfmoon. Visit AAA.com/Automotive for more information.