TZD Tuesday - Tire Safety

TZD Tuesday Tire Safety Graphic

Have you checked your tires lately? Having a set of tires with good, legal tread depth will increase your chances of not being involved in a crash, especially when the weather and road conditions become challenging. Tires with inadequate tread depth may cause your vehicle to more easily skid out of control on both wet and snow-covered roadways.

Routine tire maintenance can help prevent you from going off the road or into oncoming traffic.

  • Check tires for cuts, bulges and exposed ply or cord. These conditions can cause blowouts.
  • Check the tread depth. Tires with a tread depth of one-sixteenth of an inch or less are unsafe and illegal. Place a penny headfirst into the tread grooves. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, you need new tires.
  • Check tire pressure with a tire gauge. Tires can be as much as 50% under-inflated before it is visibly noticeable.
  • If you are unsure about checking your own tires, many auto shops will take a look at your tires for free.

Failing to check your tires can lead to a serious or fatal crash. Taking a few seconds to walk around your vehicle before leaving for your destination can pay off, helping you to get to your destination safely.

Please continue to remind your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers that we all have the power to make choices that keep everyone alive.