What Are the Dangers of Old Tires?
Tires are one of the most important parts of a vehicle because they are the only part that is in physical contact with the road; old tires can present dangers to the safety of the vehicle's occupants.
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Function
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Tires create a cushion between a car's wheels and the road, as well as providing traction; old tires can have worn out tread, which can cause reduced traction on the road.
Time Frame
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Tires do not have expiration dates, but the older a tire is, the more likely it is to experience critical damage; according to ABC News, tires older than 6 years are prone to failure even if they've never been used or look fine.
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Loss of Traction
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If a tire loses its tread as you drive, it can cause a loss of traction that may cause an accident; tires with worn tread may also cause a car to have a longer stopping distance.
Blown Tires
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An old tire has a higher chance of completely blowing out while driving than an unworn tire, which can cause the driver to suddenly lose control of the vehicle.
Weather
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Worn tread can be especially dangerous during bad weather, such as rainstorms, as the reduced grip can increase the chance of slipping or hydroplaning, during which your vehicle is unresponsive to your attempts to control it.
Considerations
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The duration that a tire will last can vary depending on use and road conditions; rapid braking and acceleration can cause a tire to wear more quickly.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit tire treads close-up image by Kathy Burns from Fotolia.com
