According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA), approximately 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle crashes with nearly 200 deaths are reported each year. Poor tire maintenance, including failing to rotate the tire and underinflation, can cause a flat tire, blowout, or even a crash. Despite continued efforts to prevent tire-related crashes, the numbers have been on a rise. In 2017 alone, 738 fatalities were reported due to tire-related crashes. So, it is essential to take care of your tires and understand all that can go wrong when you drive with old and worn tires. Here are some dangers of driving with old and worn tires:
Overheating
Bald tires are prone to overheating. When the tires become too worn down, they are called bald tires. They have very little tread left on their circumference. This means, the rubber of the tire constantly remains in contact with the asphalt which causes more heat build-up. When the tire has a good groove depth, it prevents constant contact and hence prevents overheating. They have grooves that allow air to course through and keep the tyres cool. Prolonged overheating of the tires can cause a blowout.
Punctures
Bald tires or significantly worn tires would experience tread erosion, which means there will be very little rubber between the tire and the pavement. Running over a sharp-edged material could easily cause a flat tire. It can even cause a sudden tire blowout whiel driving, which could lead to a collision with another vehicle or object.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning, also known as aquaplaning is a potentially dangerous driving condition that occurs when the vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road and move on a film of water instead. The best way to avoid hydroplaning is by using specially engineered tread patterns. Bald or half-worn tires have worn grooves that prevent water from draining from under the tires and cause hydroplaning. When this happens, the driver risks losing control of the vehicle.
Uneven wear patterns
Uneven or irregular wear patterns are caused by underinflation, overinflation, a worn-out suspension, or improper alignment. This could also happen over time due to exposure to extreme heat or cold. The irregular wear pattern causes one side of the tire treads’ rubber compound to become harder than the other sides, which makes it more prone to cracking up under stress such as negotiating sharp turns. The cracks keep expanding due to sudden movements such as accelerating or braking suddenly. This greatly increases the chances of a crash.
Longer stopping distances
Old and worn tires can increase your braking distance and make it take longer to stop your car. This is mainly due to the reduced tread depth. The tread helps the tires grip the road. When the tread wears down, the braking distance increases. The stopping distances can increase even more in wet conditions. Even in cars with an anti-locking braking system, worn-out tires take significantly longer to come to a stop once the brakes are applied. Taking longer to stop after hitting the brake can result in a collision.
Is it time to replace your old and worn tires?
Ensuring proper tire inflation and regular tire rotation can take care of your tires and help them last long. Regular vehicle and tire maintenance is necessary to ensure that the vehicle is comfortable and safe to drive.
If your vehicle has any tire-related troubles, contact our team now. We will inspect your tires and, if necessary, replace them.