As a driver, you are probably aware that you are meant to change your tires once in a while. You might never have considered exactly why it is so important to do this on time, though.
Here are three times worn tires could endanger you:
1. When there is standing water on the road
Hydroplaning is the term for your car losing control in standing water when the tires cannot grip the road but instead float across the surface. The less the tread on your tires the more likely you are to hydroplane because there is less depth of rubber to penetrate the water and get a grip on the tarmac below. It could cause you to veer across the surface toward oncoming traffic or off the road.
2. When there is snow or ice on the road
You need your tires to dig in and bite when there is snow or ice on the road. If you have lost most of your tread, your tires’ ability to do this is vastly lowered. This makes it more likely you will skid out of control.
3. When you need to brake or steer fast
Avoiding a potential collision often comes down to you and your vehicle’s ability to react fast. If your car is too slow to brake before you hit something or fails to hold the line you need to steer to avoid something, then a crash becomes more likely. Tires with sufficient tread give you more grip allowing you to brake faster and hold a line better.
The truth is, that worn tires will always jeopardize your safety. If another driver crashes into you, spotting that their tires were worn might help you explain why the crash happened and get the compensation you need.