AAA tests reveal hazards of worn tires in wet weather
By AAA of Western and Central New York
Afternoon downpours could spell disaster for millions of road trippers this summer, thanks to an unlikely suspect: tires. New research from AAA reveals driving on relatively worn tires at highway speeds in wet conditions can increase average stopping distances by a staggering 43 percent, or an additional 87 feet - more than the length of a semi-trailer truck - when compared to new tires.
With nearly 800,000 crashes occurring on wet roads each year, AAA urges drivers to check tread depth, replace tires proactively, and increase following distances significantly during rainy conditions.
"Tires are what keep a car connected to the road," says 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."
In partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center, AAA conducted testing to understand performance differences at highway speeds between new, all-season tires and those worn to a tread depth of 4/32" on wet pavement. AAA research found that:
•Compared to new tires, tires worn to a tread depth of just 4/32" exhibit:
- An average increased stopping distance of 87 feet for a passenger car and 86 feet for a light truck.
- A 33 percent reduction in handling ability for a passenger car, and 28 percent for the light truck, on average.
"AAA's testing demonstrates the impact that tire tread has on safety," says Megan McKernan, manager of the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center. "If tested side-by-side at 60 mph, vehicles with worn tires would still be traveling at an alarming 40 mph when reaching the same distance it takes for vehicles with new tires to make a complete stop."
Tires can be a contributing factor in crashes. In 2017 (preliminary), across New York state there were:
- 1,608 crashes listed with "tire failure/inadequate" as a contributing factor (more than 4 times a day).
- 9 fatal crashes.
- 506 fatal or injury crashes (more than once a day).
While AAA's research found tire performance does vary by brand, price is not necessarily an indicator of quality. In fact, worn tire performance deteriorated significantly for all tires tested, including those at a higher price point. AAA advises shoppers to research options carefully before selecting a replacement tire for their vehicle, and never choose one based on price alone.
"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," Nielsen warns. "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."
Unfortunately, current industry guidelines and state laws and regulations frequently recommend that drivers wait until tread depth reaches 2/32" to replace tires. Not only does this recommendation jeopardize a driver's safety, it minimizes manufacturer warranty costs and is often paired with environmental concerns. By prioritizing safety, AAA maintains tires should be replaced once the tread depth reaches 4/32", when stopping distances have already begun to deteriorate significantly.
AAA's comprehensive evaluation of tire tread laws and regulations across U.S. states found a state requirements range from inadequate to non-existent.
In wet conditions, tires can completely lose contact with the road and skid, also known as hydroplaning. The depth of a tire's tread plays a significant role: The lower the tread depth, the more likely a car will hydroplane.
AAA recommends the following precautions for drivers navigating rain-soaked roads:
- Avoid the use of cruise control in order to respond quickly if the car loses traction with the road.
- Reduce speed and avoid hard braking and making sharp turns.
- Increase following distance to allow for ample space if a sudden stop occurs.
- If the vehicle begins to hydroplane, gently ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction the vehicle should go until traction is regained. Do not brake forcefully, as this can cause the vehicle to skid.
As upstate New York's largest member services organization, AAA provides more than 870,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.
