Since a high degree of accidents happens due to low tread depth, you must check the tread depth to ensure that you are not driving around with old and worn-out tires. Since you lose a lot of your tires’ properties when the tread depth decreases and approach the threshold value of 5/32 inches, it is time to change your tires to a new set. Driving with worn-out tires are associated with danger, as will be discussed below.
When you drive with worn-out all-season tires, the risk for hydroplaning increases; both low tread depth and high speed increase the risk, so if you drive fast with worn-out tires, you are very likely to experience hydroplaning as your contact area decreases. For example, when you reach the threshold value of 5/32 inches and drive at a speed of 78 mph, you only have 11% of the tires’ contact area of what you have when the car is parked. The comparative value is 60% at speeds of 47 mph. Therefore, make sure that you adjust your speed when your remaining tread depth approaches the threshold value, especially in wet conditions.
It is the risk of hydroplaning and your braking distance getting longer with wet conditions. Wet conditions also impact the handling and control, which are both negatively impacted when it is wet. The same is true when driving in dry conditions with low tread depth, as your braking distance and control are worsened, which you can often feel when you take sharp corners and curves. Driving too long with worn-out tires can be very dangerous, so be sure to measure the tread depth continuously and monitor the change, so you can predict when it is time to purchase a new set of tires. Timely tire rotation ensures that the tires last longer, that the car is more balanced, and that you can purchase a full set of tires as the tires wear out. Mixing new and old tires can make the car unbalanced, so it is always better to try to wear out the tires evenly and change all the tires simultaneously.
To make sure that you have the optimal contact area of the tire, you need to check the tire pressure to know if you have the correct pressure. The tire pressure should be checked monthly when you anyway visit the gas station. In addition, the shock absorbers must be functioning as they should, as they help to press the tire onto the road, improving the grip and shorten the braking distance.
For safe driving during the summer, you should always make sure that you have the correct tires, you should use all-season tires or all-weather tires and not winter tires. When you know you have the correct tires mounted, it is important to also check the pressure and that your shock absorbers are in good condition, plus that your tires are good at preventing hydroplaning. Many tires are sold that are excellent at preventing hydroplaning. If you have secured this, you should be ready for any dangerous conditions you might face during the summer.
For more information regarding how to replace worn-out tires, visit: https://www.nokiantires.com/