Everything You Need To Know About Tire Tread Wear
Posted on: 3 March 2016
Safety is the number one issue when you consider the tread wear of your vehicle's tire. It is protected by laws within the United States -- with documentation of the gauges of safety during all weather conditions, including rain and snow elements. Shopping for tires must include availability, price, and the tread wear. Here are some necessary facts to know before you purchase this valuable item for your vehicle
Tread Wear Indicator
Wear bars are installed on the tires as a safety precaution so the owner/driver will know when it is time for a replacement. Measurement of tread wear is indicated in thirty-seconds of an inch. Most new tires have a gauge reading of 10/32" which is the safest limit required by law in most states. If it goes beyond 2/32", the tire is considered illegal.
According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), all vehicles are required to have these tread bars. On smaller tires, you may not have but three, but on larger vehicles you could have at least six or more.
Importance
The tread wear on a vehicle ensures how safely it can stop without losing traction. If you have tires beyond the safety requirements, you could be at a high risk of hydroplaning and causing an accident on wet road surfaces.
If travel is on roads covered in snow, a tread of 5/32" should be a good indication for safety. More tread is necessary because they need to have the snow compressed in the groove of the tires. Some winter tires have a second groove/wear bar when the tire reaches 6/32". If they reach this space, the tire must be replaced because it is no longer considered safe.
Travel conditions on rain covered surfaces are of more concern if the tire wear bar reaches 4/32". Under these conditions, the vehicle cannot compress the water. Therefore, if the water cannot escape quickly, the car will lose traction and float/hydroplane to the water's surface.
Improper Inflation
Tires have different rates of tread wear according to which type of tire you have purchased. For example, a sports car will have different wear versus the four-door sedan model. You may also have irregular wear on the tire that will cause it to vibrate or make noise. It could need a front end alignment or have the wrong tire pressure.
These are two possible problems that need to be diagnosed correctly. If there is not enough air in the tire, the sides will begin to show damage. If too much air is used, the middle of the tire will show damage. This uneven wear could cause the vehicle to be out of control if you need to stop quickly.
Careful observation of your tires will enable you to travel many safe miles. These guidelines should help you decide when your vehicle is no longer safe to be driven. A bit of common sense and caution will provide many miles of enjoyment.Contact a tire shop, like Unique Edge Customizing, to find the tires and rims you need.
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