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Another critical part of your tire is the tread, which gives you the traction to stop and hold
the road on curves. Tire tread also funnels water out from under the tire, which helps to reduce “hydroplaning,” where
a car actually rides up on a layer of water and becomes dangerously difficult to steer or stop.
According to the NHTSA, about one out of
every 10 cars on the road has at least one worn out or bald tire. There are several things you can do to stay out of that
group, and help the tread last longer on your tires. For starters, make sure that your tire dealer balances your tires when
installing them. Balancing involves placing small weights on the rim to counteract heavy spots, or slight variations in
weight, in the wheel. If a tire is not balanced, it will shimmy as you drive, and your tread will wear down quickly.
You must also make sure that your car’s suspension is properly aligned. Otherwise, your tires will ride at an angle
and wear unevenly, and you may experience handling problems. A car can become misaligned gradually over time,
or suddenly when you hit a bump or pothole.
Have a mechanic check your alignment periodically, as suggested in your owner’s manual. Also, have it checked if
you notice anything unusual, such as pulling to one side or vibrating. This could be a sign of tire trouble, such as impending tread/belt separation.
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