When the tire tread on your vehicle gets low enough, this impacts the structural integrity of the tire overall. There is a metallic “framework” under the rubber of many tires, which will start to poke through if you let your tires go too long without being changed. Some tires will start to erode and break down, making them hazardous to drive on.
Have you ever been driving down the interstate and seen massive chunks of rubber by the side of the road? There are a few reasons for this:
1. Tires that remain in storage too long lose structural integrity and can end up breaking apart while a vehicle is cruising down the interstate. Most commonly, this happens with semi-trucks, but it can happen to smaller vehicles as well.
2. If you let the tread get too low, likewise this can impact a tire’s structural integrity, and the right crack, rock, or dip in the road could cause it to break apart under speed.
Bald Tires Can Be Dangerous
If you hit the gas too quickly at a stop light, the tire could spin in place, burning rubber, making an awful smell, loudly screeching, and wearing your tire tread down.
Legal Realities
If your tire tread gets too low, tire shops are obligated to replace your tires or refuse you service. They won’t even rotate them if tire tread is below a certain threshold. Thankfully, you can check this in a fairly straightforward way. Your tire tread needs to be greater than 2/32 of an inch for drivability.
For contrast, you can expect new tires to be at 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch. They commonly only get 36,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on how and where you drive. Once you pass the 30k mark, it’s time to start checking on them. Expect 3 to 4 years of use at 12k to 15k miles a year, which represents the common average.
Let the Experts Test Your Tire Tread
If you’re unsure where your tires are at, you can always get your tire tread checked at Valley Automall. With extensive services providing complete automotive care, you’ll be able to get your tires checked, as well as anything else that pertains to your vehicle’s safety on the road. Contact us at 702-570-2257 to schedule your vehicle maintenance.