Can worn out tires make you crash?

On Behalf of | Mar 16, 2019 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

If you have been conflicted about whether or not you should invest in some new tires for your vehicle, you may be wondering just how much more use you can get out of your current set. The truth is, when you are driving in Massachusetts, a dependable and safe set of tires is imperative to your safety and to the efficiency with which your vehicle is able to operate. 

Unsafe tires can still roll and allow your vehicle to move, but that is about the extent of their ability. If you encounter inclement weather or make contact with a hot surface, your tires may not be able to withstand the conditions and they may pop or shred and fall apart. While the risks of something happening to your tires while you are driving are significant, the outcome can be extremely dangerous and result in serious injury or even death, especially if you are traveling at a high rate of speed. 

According to Consumer Reports, the purpose of the tread on your tires is to provide channels for moisture to go through to allow your vehicle to maintain secure contact with the road. If your tires are bald and the tread is obsolete, the result is hydroplaning. Unable to maintain traction, your vehicle may begin to slide and attempts to brake will be ineffective. Experts recommend that you begin shopping for new tires once the tread reaches 4/32 inch. This is down from the typical 10/32 inch when you buy new tires. Waiting until those numbers decrease to 3/32 or even 2/32 is greatly increasing your risks. 

In addition to good, new tires being able to provide you with a higher level of safety, their function can also increase the efficiency that your vehicle has during operation. As such, an investment in new tires is well worth your resources so you can prevent unnecessary dangers while you are driving. The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. 

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