What Should You Do If You Have Bald Tires?

Bald tires don't just put your safety at risk, but also everyone that you're sharing the road with. So what should you do if you have bad tires? It's simple - get a new set as quickly as possible.

How to Identify Bald Tires Before It’s Too Late

Bald tires have inadequate tire tread. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, any tire at or below 2/32" tread depth should be changed immediately. So how do you identify bald tires?

• Take a penny and place it into the tire tread with Abraham Lincoln in a head-down way. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tires are likely 2/32" and need immediate replacement.
• Look for visible damage, notably in the sidewalls, which occurs from extreme tire tread wear.
• Look for the wear bars on your tires. These are raised marks that become visible when the tire needs to be replaced.
• Other signs such as poor braking, bad handling, and vehicle vibrations can also indicate tires in poor condition.

Why Driving on Bald Tires Puts You at Risk

Driving on bald tires is a serious safety issue - both for you as a motorist and for everyone that you're sharing the road with. Simply put, significantly worn tires lack the tread depth to adequately grip the road. This can lead to poor traction and handling, which can put you more at risk of losing control of the vehicle. Bad tires are especially a risk in poor conditions. They can increase your chances of hydroplaning in wet weather and can cause you to lose control more easily in snowy and icy conditions. Finally, bald tires are also more likely to lead to blowouts, which can pose additional safety risks.

Your Best Options for Replacing Worn-Out Tires

The best thing you can do if your vehicle has worn-out tires is to replace them with a set of new tires immediately. Contact your local GreatWater location, and we'll explain the tire options that would best suit your vehicle.

Simple Steps to Extend the Life of Your New Tires

A good set of tires should last you for about 80,000 miles - but you have to do your part to ensure you maximize your investment. Here's a look at some easy steps to extend the life of a new set of tires:

• Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate as needed. Underinflated tires cause the tread to wear out faster.
• Have your tires rotated to ensure even tread wear. Do this every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or roughly every other oil change.
• Have your wheels aligned and your tires balanced on occasion to ensure even weight distribution and tread wear.
• Practice good driving habits. Avoid fast starts and hard brakes, both of which can accelerate tread wear.

Contact Us Today

For more information on what to do if you have bad tires and to purchase a new set of tires, contact your local shop in the GreatWater network today.