Afternoon downpours could spell disaster for millions of road trippers this summer, thanks to an unlikely suspect – tires. New research from AAA reveals that 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,” said Pat Moody, director of public affairs for AAA Northern New England. “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,” said 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.”
While AAA’s research found that 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,” warned Moody. “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 that 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.
“Proper tire care, including maintaining the correct pressure in all tires, means owners will replace tires less often, use less fuel, and will have less of a likelihood to be stranded on the streets and highways,” according to Moody. AAA reminds motorists that their new vehicle may not come equipped with a spare.
AAA urges motorists to check inflation pressure at least once a month and before long trips and, to remember to check the spare tire. To properly check inflation pressure, an individual must use a tire gauge; use the correct inflation pressure for the vehicle and; check tires when cold, before driving. The correct inflation pressure is found on a label on the driver’s door or owner’s manual, not the tire sidewall.
Under-inflated tires pose a safety risk because they generate heat, which can cause tire damage that leads to failure. Under-inflated tires are attributed to an estimated 195 fatalities each year, according to NHTSA.
Additional story resources:
The full report, fact sheet and other information regarding this study can be found on the AAA NewsRoom.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 58 million members with travel, insurance, financial, and automotive-related services. Operating 19 offices throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, AAA Northern New England is a not-for-profit, fully tax-paying corporation and serves as an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA Northern New England can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.