2 minute read
Summer Tire Tips
by Expert Contributor Lou Matteo, Owner of Edgemont Automotive
While colder months force people to think about tire conditions so they don’t get stuck in snow, drivers don’t relate low tire tread dangers to summer time. The truth is tires need good tread in all seasons. In the same way that deep tire tread helps wick away the snow to help the tire remain in contact with the road, in the spring and summer months good tire tread will wick away the water to prevent gliding on top of the water and maintaining control.
Tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch, typically new tires come with about 10-12/32nds of an inch of tread. Most states have a minimum tread depth specification. In Pennsylvania it’s 2/32nds or less indicates an unsafe tire. Other conditions like dry rot and road hazards may also condemn a tire even if the tread depth is good.
There are built-in indicators on tires called wear bars, when the wear bars touch two adjacent treads, the tire is worn out. The penny trick is a good rule of thumb. If Lincoln’s entire head can be seen when placed upside down in the tread, you know you need a tire and you won’t have any surprises at inspection time.
Inspection stations use tread depth gauge readings in three different locations for an official depth-reading. Dry rot can be seen either on the sidewall of the tire as a cross-hatched pattern or lines of cracks around the circumference of the tire, the deeper the cracks, the less safe the tire is. It’s best to let a professional determine if dry rot or side wall damage is safe enough to keep that tire in service.
All vehicle manufacturers today specify what size, load range and speed rating should be used on each vehicle to maintain the correct ride and safety features designed into the vehicle. This information is on a decal located on the drive door frame area and also in the owner’s manual. Using the correct tire size is especially important in all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles to avoid drivetrain damage.
Some high-end vehicles come with summer or performance tires, even allwheel drive SUVs. Manufacturers put these tires on to enhance the handling qualities of the vehicle. If this vehicle is only driven in the warm weather then all is well. If these vehicles are used year-round those summer tires may not stick to the road so well in the colder months raising control issues. In this case you can switch to all season performance tires as long as the size and speed rating specifications are followed. Ask your repair facility for details.
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5040 West Chester Pike, Edgemont
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