Why Does Tire Tread Matter More in Rain and Snow?
What Urbandale drivers should know before Iowa’s wet, snowy and icy driving season begins
Quick Answer
Good tire tread helps your tires maintain contact with the road by channeling water, slush and snow away from the tire. As tread wears down, your vehicle can lose traction more easily, take longer to stop on wet roads and become more difficult to control in poor weather.
For drivers in Urbandale and throughout Central Iowa, checking tire tread before the wet, snowy and icy months is an important part of preparing your vehicle for winter.
Your Tires Are the Only Part of Your Vehicle Touching the Road
You can have all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes and modern traction-control systems, but ultimately, your tires still have to grip the road.
The grooves in your tire tread are designed to move water and slush away from the tire's contact area. As those grooves become shallower, the tire has less ability to do its job.
That difference can become especially important during an Iowa rainstorm or when roads are covered with melting snow and slush.
Worn Tires Can Take Longer to Stop on Wet Roads
How much difference can tread really make?
Quite a bit.
AAA testing compared new tires with tires worn to 4/32 of an inch. At highway speeds on wet pavement, the worn tires increased average stopping distance by approximately 87 feet for passenger cars.
That's a significant difference when the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says tire tread provides the traction that helps prevent a vehicle from slipping and sliding, particularly on wet or icy roads.
Don't Wait Until Your Tires Look Bald
The minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch, but minimum doesn't necessarily mean ideal for Iowa's wet and snowy driving conditions.
That's why it's a good idea to have your tread checked before winter rather than waiting until your tires are completely worn out.
We can also look for uneven tread wear, tire damage and improper inflation. Uneven wear can sometimes indicate another issue, such as the need for tire rotation, wheel alignment worn steering or suspension components.
Get Your Tires Checked Before Iowa Winter Arrives
Not sure how much tread you have left?
Bring your vehicle to Ultimate Automotive Service Center. Our team can inspect your tires, measure the tread and help you determine whether they're ready for another Iowa winter.
If you need new tires, we can help with that too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much tire tread is considered worn out?
The minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. However, tire performance in wet conditions can decline before reaching that minimum.
Why is tire tread important in rain?
Tread grooves help move water away from beneath the tire. As tread wears down, the tire can have more difficulty maintaining traction on wet pavement.
Does tire tread matter in snow?
Yes. Adequate tread helps a tire maintain traction in snow and slush. Winter tires can provide additional performance in snowy and cold conditions.
Can Ultimate Automotive check my tire tread?
Yes. If you're unsure whether your tires are ready for winter, Ultimate Automotive Service Center can inspect your tread, tire condition and wear and help you determine when replacement makes sense.
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