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AAA tests reveal hazards of worn tires in wet weather

Posted at 11:25 AM, Jun 07, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-07 12:30:23-04

Research from AAA reveals that driving in rain downpours with worn tires could spell disaster for millions of drivers this summer.

According to AAA, driving on relatively worn tires at highway speeds in wet conditions can increase average stopping distances by 43%, adding an additional 87 feet when compared to new tires.

“Tires are what keep a car connected to the road,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Even the most advanced safety systems rely on a tire’s basic ability to maintain traction, and AAA’s testing shows that wear has a significant impact on how quickly a vehicle can come to a stop in wet conditions to avoid a crash.”

The current industry guidelines and state laws and regulations frequently recommend that drivers wait until tread depth reaches 2/32” to replace tires. AAA states that the recommendations could “jeopardize a driver’s safety and it minimizes manufacturer warranty costs and is often paired with environmental concerns”.

AAA maintains that tires should be replaced once the tread depth reaches 4/32”.

“With newer cars going longer intervals between routine maintenance at automotive service facilities, drivers may not become alerted to the fact their tires are too worn until it’s too late,” warned Nielsen. “Slip an upside-down quarter between your tire grooves and look at Washington’s head – if you can see all of it, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.”

In wet conditions, tires can completely lose contact with the road and skid, known as hydroplaning.

AAA urges drivers to check tread depth and replace tires proactively during rainy conditions.

Research from AAA reveals that driving in downpours with worn tires could spell disaster for millions of drivers this summer.

According to AAA, driving on relatively worn tires at highway speeds in wet conditions can increase average stopping distances by 43%, adding an additional 87 feet when compared to new tires.

“Tires are what keep a car connected to the road,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Even the most advanced safety systems rely on a tire’s basic ability to maintain traction, and AAA’s testing shows that wear has a significant impact on how quickly a vehicle can come to a stop in wet conditions to avoid a crash.”

The current industry guidelines and state laws and regulations frequently recommend that drivers wait until tread depth reaches 2/32” to replace tires. AAA states that the recommendations could “jeopardize a driver’s safety and it minimizes manufacturer warranty costs and is often paired with environmental concerns”.

AAA maintains that tires should be replaced once the tread depth reaches 4/32”.

“With newer cars going longer intervals between routine maintenance at automotive service facilities, drivers may not become alerted to the fact their tires are too worn until it’s too late,” warned Nielsen. “Slip an upside-down quarter between your tire grooves and look at Washington’s head – if you can see all of it, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.”

In wet conditions, tires can completely lose contact with the road and skid, known as hydroplaning.

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