Public Service Announcement #2: Replace Your Worn Out Tires!

This sounds obvious but I have friends whose family members were killed because they had tires that exploded. We recently replaced our tires on our one car that had very worn out tire treads. I watched this video on the Tirerack.com website that scared me quite a bit because I have almost crashed a few times on wet roads. Watch this video on the testing they did as to how long it takes you to stop with worn tires on a wet road you will be amazed! http://www.tirerack.com/videos/index.jsp?video=5

I know its biased propaganda from a tire company trying to scare you into buying new tires but why take the risk? The old rule: “replace your tires when the tread does not pass Lincoln's head on a penny” is just not safe at all. Even tires which only have tread as deep as Washington’s head on a quarter are not as safe. Rule: If the tire tread does not pass Washington’s head on a quarter you need new tires yesterday!

Even new tires vary as to their stopping ability. Some tires stop faster than others which may be the difference between life and death or an expensive crash and a close call. The Tirerack.com website has excellent reviews and ratings and fairly good prices. I ended up buying my tires from a local tire company but you can order through tirerack.com and they will send the tires to the auto shop where they install your tires.

Another good resource for information on tires in consumersearch.com which gives you a good review of the reviews and details on why performance tires are good for heat dissipation and handling which may be good when you are in a potentially scary situation on the highway. http://www.consumersearch.com/www/automotive/tires/

Again having a baby inspired me to do all this research too. I come from a long line of people who worry about things, just ask my mom.