How Does Changing Tires Affect Driveability?

The condition of the tires affects aspects of a vehicle's driving experience from smoothness to safety. Changing the tires at regular intervals, as well as when needed, protects the tires and vehicle performance.

Dangers Of Improper Tires

• Driving on tires with worn tread can cause hydroplaning on wet surfaces, and cause tires to blow out more easily, especially from punctures. The tire tread protects the tire casing underneath. Driving on a tire that is out of balance will cause the vehicle to shake or vibrate, which very noticeable in the steering wheel when you drive at certain speeds.

When To Change Tires

• In most states, the legal limit for tire tread to be worn down to is 2/32-inch of the remaining tread depth. At this point, the tire must be changed to protect the vehicle's performance in wet and snowy weather. Tires with sidewall damage ust be changed, as this cannot be repaired and may easily lead to a blowout.

Changing Tire Positions

• Changing the position of out-of-balance tires on a vehicle can remove the shaking felt in the steering wheel. Also, each wheel position on the vehicle causes different types of wear at different rates. Changing the location of the tires on the vehicle can reduce uneven tire wear. As a result, all the tires will wear equally, maintaining vehicle handling, and allowing all four tires to respond to the driver's steering and braking quicker.