Automotive Education Blogs

With the exception of brakes, tires may be the most important aspect on your vehicle that will ensure safety while driving. Unfortunately, in many instances, this is one of the most neglected aspects by many customers. Getting the most life out of your tires is financially important, but sacrificing safety is not worth the risk. Tire safety is viewed from many aspects including tread depth (how much tread is left on the tire), dry rot (caused by rubber aging and drying out), the age of the tire (manufacture date found on tire), and uneven wear or cupping (cause by improper inflation, lack of rotation and suspension alignment issues). Tread depth on tires is measured by tire experts with a tread depth gage. Obviously, more tread provides better handling in wet and slippery conditions. In addition, better tread will decrease stopping distance especially with the need to stop quickly. Combine wet slippery conditions with a need to stop quickly and the importance of more tread magnifies.