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Dangerous Driving 101: Everything You Need to Know About Bald Tires

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Dangerous Driving 101: Everything You Need to Know About Bald Tires

Winter driving is dangerous enough, but driving with bald tires increases a driver’s accident risk. Hydroplaning, black ice, and other hazards become much more dangerous if bald tires are on your car.

Before you get worried, it’s important to understand what bald tires are and how to tell if your car needs new tires.

Below are 4 considerations you should know about bald tires.

What is a Bald Tire?

First, we need to address the basics. A bald tire occurs when the tread on a tire is worn down to the wear bars, which are indicators designed to let you know when a tire has lost too much of its tread due to wear and tear. You should pay close attention to these marks, especially if your tires are five years old or more.

Tread Helps Prevent Slipping

Any tire company will tell you that the treads on your tires are designed to channel water away from your vehicle and increase the amount of grip you have on the road. When these treads wear down, you have less traction and therefore are more prone to hydroplaning and losing control on slippery roads.

More Prone to Puncturing

Bald tires may be dangerous on wet roads, but they’re dangerous on dry roads, too. Since bald tires are generally thinner they can be more prone puncture and flats. The increased risk of puncture could put a driver at risk during quick stops and normal driving conditions.

Winter Tires

If your tires are starting to go bald during the winter months, you might want to consider a set of winter tires for your car. Some people think only two winter tires are required. However, a full set of four winter tires is essential to ensure that your car is safe. Your tire company should be able to provide detailed information on the benefits of winter tires to ensure your safety on the road during the cold weather.

Tire companies encourage all drivers to use caution during the winter, but it’s even more important to ensure that tires are prepared to handle the slippery roads. Don’t let bald tires increase the risk of an accident that could have been avoided.

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