Tires play an important role in operating your car. They offer the essential friction for braking, acceleration, and turning. Yet, it can do that only when they have tire treads.
It can be said that tires cannot fulfill those important things if they do not have treads. That is why this article will show you important things you need to know about tire tread. Why are the treads important? What can they do? Let’s find out now!
Important Things You Need to Know About Tire Tread
Tire tread helps your driving experience safer during the rain
It play an important role in providing friction between the vehicles and the roads. If the vehicle touches more surfaces of the road, it can create more friction. Some drivers often wonder whether the cut into tire tread would reduce friction or not.
Indeed, it is true regarding technical issues. But, the tread, in this case, can be considered as a trade-off. And thanks to the tread, your car tires will be protected from hazardous weather conditions.
Besides, the tread is also an entrance for moisture and water on the roads to displace. If there is no tread, your tire will encounter the phenomenon of hydroplaning.
So, it can be said that the tread gives moisture and water a place to filter in. Also, it makes sure the tires will stay on the roads even when they are wet. Put it differently, wet, and dirty roads are dangerous, but they will be much safer when the tires have tire treads.
Tire tread can state the tire wear
As you can guess, tires touch the road directly to provide friction, so they become worn out gradually day by day. That is why we must pay attention to them and check when they need replacing. You can refer to Drivingpress.com for a more detailed tire review and proper tire care tips.
Usually, you can use your naked eyes to check the tire tread. For those who cannot eyeball, there is a penny test for you to do. The standard tread depth should be 1/16 of an inch.
Although 1/16” is the limitation you should follow, it is also advised that you should replace the tires when they reach 1/8” tread depth. You should not let the treads become so thin as they might begin losing the ability to redirect water from the tire’s surface.
Different driving experiences require different treads
If you are a regular customer of tire shops, you will know that there are many tread patterns. There is no such thing called the universal tread pattern.
Different tread patterns are produced to serve different using purposes. For instance, if you use off-road cars such as trucks or SUVs, the treads you should use for this type of vehicle should be thick. The thick tread can dig into mud and dirt better.
The next type is for on-road driving or autocross. Tires’ treads for these cars are usually thin as they can provide much more road-contacting surface. By contrast, the all-season tire needs longevity and well performance so the tread used for it is also unique.
Specifically, the treads for this type of tire should be deeper and go with good rubber chunks. With this design, the all-season tire can provide more safety for drivers.
Thus, to find out the right tread, you should think about the performance you are navigating towards. Each driver has different goals, driving styles, and budgets. These criteria have a certain impact on the tires you will buy.
According to the experience of some drivers, daily-driver or general-purpose tires will give you longevity and value. Conversely, off-road, or high-performance tires tend to cost more.
Uneven wear on the treads shortens the tire’s lifespan
Normally, if you take good care of your car tires, they may last longer. However, drivers do not often spend time caring for their cars properly, especially overwhelming drivers.
This habit may lead to inappropriate contact with roads, faster tear, and wear on some tires’ parts. Then, you will need a premature replacement.
How Can You Prolong the Lifespan of Used Tire Treads?
To lengthen the life of used tire treads, drivers should not drive at a high speed or use sharp maneuvers when their cars are loaded. In such situations, the tires must work harder and scrub off more rubber on the road.
Here are some driving habits drivers should avoid or even give up if they want to maintain their car tires.
Sharp start and hard braking
If you do not rush for urgent needs, avoid breaking hard. If not, the life of your aging tire’s tread will reduce much.
At the same time, starting your car sharply is not good for the tires’ lives. Tires and wheels need some time to prepare and get ready for accelerating.
Cornering
The tire treads will get worn faster when the high-wheel cut is performed at a high speed. So even you are trying to park at any place, you should do gentle on these turns.
Not avoiding potholes or bumps
Potholes or bumps appear frequently on bad roads, and it is inevitable. As you may know, bad road conditions may lead to fast wear on your used tire treads. Specifically, they can deteriorate and cause cracks or bulges.
A high speed on the elevation in the highway
A route, especially a highway, may consist of different elevations. Yet, when you deal with them at a similar highway speed, your tread might wear off more. Thus, you should not carry heavy loads on elevations at a high speed. This might worsen the situation.
In brief, controlling your vehicle wisely and having a proper driving style will help you to save the treads if you are a rough driver.
Closing Thought
Besides important things you need to know about tire tread above, you had better follow some quick tips to maintain the tires in good shape. Keeping them inflated appropriately and having the wheel alignment checked should be on the must-do list. Hopefully, you find this information useful, and your tires will be long-lasting.
