It’s the tire’s tread that provides the traction you rely on for a safe and smooth drive.  As the miles add up, it wears down. Enough wear and you have bald tires.  Bald tires are risky to drive on for two reasons - they’re more susceptible to punctures, and they no longer have adequate tread depth to channel water from under the tread.  Which means that, when it rains or snows you may lose traction (and control over your vehicle). For these reasons, bald tires are extremely risky to drive on and should be replaced. Learn what bald tires are, causes, signs, and the risks associated with driving on them. WHAT ARE BALD TIRES AND WHY DO THEY HAPPEN? Simply put, balding tires are tires that have minimal or no tread left. A tire's tread wears down with each mile driven, and there are various factors that affect how quickly it wears. Knowledgeable drivers are proactive in tire care and can prevent the risk of driving on bald tires.  Underinflated and Overloaded Tires It’s the air inside the tire that carries the weight of the vehicle. A tire without enough air to carry the load is considered “under-inflated”.  This is bad because it causes a lot more stress on the tire than it was designed for. A tire carrying a load greater than it was designed for is considered “overloaded”.  Just like the under-inflated tire, it’s subject to higher stresses than it was engineered for. In both cases, the result is reduced treadwear, and in extreme situations the tire could fail, which people often refer to as a “blowout”.  Unbalanced and Misaligned Tires Tires and wheels often have areas that are a bit heavy or light.  “Balancing” the tire/wheel assembly involves the use of a machine which tells the technician to add weight in specified places to make the tire/wheel’s weight equal all over.  If this isn’t done, the tires may not wear evenly, and the driver may feel a vibration at higher speeds. Alignment is important because car makers design the suspension so that tires will roll properly for stable handling, strong traction and good treadwear.  When the suspension gets out of specification it’s described as being “out of alignment”. That means the tires are no longer rolling straight; they’re rolling at an angle instead of straight ahead or are tilted from vertical.  This often results in increased treadwear, uneven treadwear, and in some cases, the car “pulling” to the left or right. Neglected Tire & Vehicle Maintenance Keeping up with the proper maintenance helps a driver to be more aware of when tires are wearing. Neglecting tire maintenance increases the chance of driving on unaligned, underinflated, or unbalanced tires, which, in the end, may result in driving on bald tires. SIGNS OF BALD TIRES Recognizing the signs can help drivers know when their tires are going bald and make them aware of when replacement is needed.   Visible Wear Bars Once the tread is completely worn, tire wear bars (“Treadwear Indicators” in engineering-speak) become more noticeable. They’re about the width of a pencil, and they run across the base of the tread from side to side.  They’re most obvious once the tread depth reaches 2/32”.  If the tread is worn down to the treadwear indicators the tire is no longer safe or legal for use and must be replaced.     Seeing Low Tread If it appears the tread is heavily worn, you may check it with this simple and effective tread check at home: Take a penny and insert its edge into a groove in the tire’s tread so it touches the bottom. The penny should be placed so that Lincoln’s head is inserted into the tread If the top of Lincoln’s head is fully visible, the tire’s tread depth is at or below 2/32” (the legal minimum) and the tire should be replaced.  Cracks and Bulges You should perform an overall visual inspection of your tires periodically, especially if you feel or hear anything unusual from them when driving.  Look for cracks or cuts deep enough to expose the steel belts or body cords. Also check for unusual bulges in the tread or sidewalls - they could be a sign of internal damage.  If you notice something that you’re not sure of, don’t hesitate to take it to a professional to have it checked. RISKS AND COST OF DRIVING ON BALD TIRES Driving on bald tires can result in vehicle damage from either tire failure or loss of vehicle control, and either is likely to come with an unwanted repair bill.  Prevent unnecessary expenses and risks by replacing bald tires immediately. Lost Control and Hydroplaning When it rains, driving on bald tires increases the chances of skidding or hydroplaning. and possible accidents, needed repairs, and hefty insurance costs. Poor Brakes When driving, a vehicle’s brakes are trusted to work no matter the speed. But brakes don’t provide traction, tires do.  So, when driving on anything other than a perfectly smooth road free of sand, dirt and debris, bald tires compromise your brakes’ ability to stop by providing reduced traction Poor braking efficiency increases the chance of being involved in an accident, plus adds unwanted repair costs. Punctures Bald tires are more easily punctured due to the lack of remaining tread. In addition to the possibility of a flat tire, a puncture could cause a blowout, and might even result in a loss of control of your vehicle.  PREVENTION FROM DRIVING ON BALD TIRES We depend on our tires for our safety when driving; it is vital that they are taken care of properly. Be proactive in replacing tires when they’re considered “bald” - that is, are worn to the 2/32” treadwear indicators.  A little attention goes a long way to help you avoid expensive problems, so be sure to check your tires’ tread and keep them properly maintained to help extend their tread life.

The trunk is full, sunglasses are on, the top is down, and you are ready to hit the road. Now, put on the brakes because you have more than likely forgotten something: your tires. They're a vital part of the journey and making sure they're in top shape before you hit the road is even more important than making sure the right playlist is ready to blast out of the car's speakers.Take care of these five things before setting off on your next adventure: 1. BOW TO THE PRESSURE It's important to always check tire pressure before heading out on a long trip or when carrying extra load. Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous and can cause tire damage as well as affect the vehicle's ride, handling and fuel economy. Check your vehicle owner's manual for the manufacturer recommended tire pressure for all your tires, including your spare. Remember that tire pressure should be checked when the tires are "cold" which means when your car hasn't been driven for three hours or for less than a mile at moderate speed. 2. GET IN THE GROOVE When it comes to tires, bald is hardly beautiful. Tires should have more than 2/32-inch tread depth. Use a tread depth gauge, or check by inserting a penny into each tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tire is worn out and needs to be replaced. Also look for uneven wear, such as wear on one side of the tread. Flat spots may indicate a problem with the tire and should be checked by a tire service professional as soon as possible. 3. GET ON YOUR KNEES Take a moment to closely inspect the state of your tires. Check for any cuts, cracks, splits or bruises in the tread and sidewall area. Also, bumps or bulges could mean separation within the tire body. If found, head to the nearest tire service professional before heading out to avoid the interruption and headache brought on by tire failure. 4. ROTATE BEFORE YOU ROLL OUT Before leaving for a road trip, it's a good idea to have a vehicle's tires rotated. Rotating your tires regularly (as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, or every 5,000 miles) promotes even tread wear and helps the tire perform as designed. 5. DON'T PACK UNNECESSARY LUGGAGE Vehicles have maximum weight recommendations which can be found in your vehicle owner's manual. Your tires also have a maximum load rating stamped on their sidewall. Obeying these limits is important since excessive loads are hard on the tires and adversely affect the vehicle ride and handling. The heavier the car, the worse the fuel economy will be, as well.

Hydroplaning happens when the tires on your vehicle lose their grip on a road surface and instead travel on a film of water sitting on top of the road. Hydroplaning dramatically reduces a driver's ability to steer and brake. WHAT CAUSES HYDROPLANING? Hydroplaning is caused by a combination of road conditions, vehicle speed, tread depth and vehicle weight. Let's take a closer look at these four factors. 1. ROAD CONDITIONS As water depth on a road surface increases to more than 1/10th of an inch, the risk of hydroplaning worsens. The intensity of the rainfall, type of road surface and drainage conditions play a crucial role in triggering conditions ripe for hydroplaning. Essentially, the deeper the standing water, the greater the chance for a vehicle to hydroplane. 2. VEHICLE SPEED Tires need time to evacuate water between their treads and the road surface. The higher the speed, the less time there is for that to happen. Depending on the tires' tread depth and design, along with the amount of water on the road, hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 35 mph. 3. TREAD DEPTH Of all the factors that contribute to hydroplaning (or to resisting it), a tire's tread depth is one of the most critical. Even the best tires on the road offer little resistance to hydroplaning when their tread is worn down to 2/32nd of an inch or less, so it's vital that worn tires are replaced as soon as possible to ensure safe driving on wet roads. 4. VEHICLE WEIGHT When you compare two vehicles equipped with the same size and type of tire, the heavier vehicle holds an advantage in resisting hydroplaning because there's a greater force to displace water from underneath the tire. HOW DANGEROUS IS HYDROPLANING? Hydroplaning is one of many serious hazards for drivers. It can result in a motorist losing control of a car and crashing. Seventy percent of weather-related crashes in the U.S. happen on wet pavement, and 46% occur during rainfall. Worse yet, wet pavement is blamed for 78% of weather-related crash injuries and 76% of weather-related crash deaths. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY VEHICLE IS HYDROPLANING? Here are four tips if your vehicle starts to hydroplane.  Keep a clear head and try not to panic. Overreacting will cause the situation to worsen. Don't slam on the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and let your vehicle slow down. If you need to, and your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, you can lightly apply the brakes to help your tires regain traction. Hold the steering wheel steady. Moving the steering wheel too much one way or the other while hydroplaning could cause your car to further lose traction and spin out of control. Avoid coming to a complete stop after you've gained control of the car. If you need a few moments to regain your composure, be sure to pull safely onto the shoulder or off the road entirely. Remember that approaching motorists also may be dealing with hydroplaning. HOW CAN I PREVENT HYDROPLANING? It may not seem like it, but there's plenty you can do to avoid hydroplaning. Here are some suggestions. Slow down. If the roads are wet, reduce your speed by 5-10 mph  or more if you see standing water. Don't use cruise control when roads are wet. Instead, rely on manual control so you're intently paying attention to the road. Steer clear of puddles and standing water. If possible, avoid driving through water that has pooled on the road. Make the right turn. You may be inclined to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of where your car is sliding. However, that's not the right move. Instead, turn the wheel toward the direction that you're sliding. Inspect your tires. Take a look at your tires at least once a month to ensure the tread depth is at least 2/32nd of an inch. You may have heard of the quick, easy way to check tread depth — just take a penny and place it in one of the tire's grooves with Abe Lincoln's head facing the base of the groove. If the tread doesn't cover any part of Lincoln's head, the tire is at or below 2/32nd of an inch and should be replaced. Track vehicles in front of you. If cars ahead of you leave tracks on a slick road, try to drive in those tracks. Those tracks mean some water on the road has already been dispersed. Maintain a safe distance. Even without hydroplaning, stopping distances increase dramatically in the rain. Increase your following distance from the usual 2 or 3 seconds to 3 or 4 seconds or more to allow for this. Properly inflate your tires. Underinflated or overinflated tires can increase your chances of hydroplaning. Check your tire pressure often and adjust it to match your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Get your tires rotated and balanced regularly. Tire rotation helps extend the tread life of your tires. It's typically recommended that rotation be done every 5,000 miles. Among other benefits, balancing the tires can help decrease tread wear. A standard recommendation for tire balancing is every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. TIRES DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE HYDROPLANING Tire tread patterns vary greatly because tires are designed to deliver performance that aligns with a vehicle's needs and owner’s priorities. Examples include: Touring tires, which emphasize ride comfort, minimal noise and all-season traction, are designed with tread patterns with additional features called slots and sipes to help provide traction in snowy and wet conditions. Performance tires, which focus on maximum control when cornering, accelerating and braking, are available in both “Summer” and “All-Season” versions. Both are designed to resist hydroplaning, but only the All-Season versions are acceptable for use in freezing temperatures.  While hydroplaning can be scary for drivers, keep in mind that if you are prepared (including installation of the right tires) and practice defensive driving techniques, you and your car can come out of the situation without a scratch. Visit a Bridgestone tire dealer near you to learn more about tires that can help resist hydroplaning.

From fill-ups to tune-ups to wear-and-tear parts like tires and brakes, if it seems like a good chunk of your paycheck goes directly into your car, you're not alone. The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that transportation costs equal about 12.9% of the typical household's income. So, how can you stretch your money when it comes to your car? Here are five tips to help get the most life out of your tires. 1. PUMP IT UP Tire pressure is a big deal when it comes to tire longevity. Tires need proper inflation pressure to operate effectively and perform as intended. Both overinflated and underinflated tires can cause tires to wear faster, as well as adversely affect vehicle handling and fuel economy. Use a tire gauge to be sure tires are inflated properly. Check your tire pressure every month and before long trips or when carrying extra load. The vehicle manufacturer recommendations for tire pressure can be found on a label affixed to the driver's door or door jamb, or in the vehicle owner's manual. Remember that tire pressure should be checked when the tires are "cold," which means when your car hasn't been driven for three hours or for less than a mile at moderate speed. 2. MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT If your car's wheels are out of alignment, your tires will wear unevenly, which can lead to early replacement. Also, a car out of alignment could signal other mechanical problems that may affect tire performance. For the best results, choose a shop that uses accurate computer-assisted machines, and ask for a printout of the adjustment angles to keep with your service records. 3. ROTATE REGULARLY Your car's wheels have different forces exerted on them depending on their position on the car, which can lead to uneven tread wear. Rotating your tires regularly (as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, or every 5,000 miles) promotes even tread wear and helps the tire perform as designed. 4. CHECK YOUR BALANCE Tires and wheels that are out of balance don't just cause annoying vibration. Uneven tread wear may also result, further reducing your ride comfort and leading to earlier replacement. A shop with an electronic spin balancer can help smooth things out. 5. ROLL WITH LESS RESISTANCE Rolling resistance is the amount of energy needed to keep your tires moving at a straight and steady pace. It impacts your car's fuel efficiency, and saving on gas is definitely a good way to keep money in your pocket. Choosing tires like the Bridgestone Ecopia line of low-rolling resistance tires can reduce your gas costs up to $450 over the life of the tires*; and that's not pocket change. *Based on 36% improvement in rolling resistance comparing the Ecopia EP422 (Size: P195/55R16) to the Bridgestone Turanza EL400 (Size: P195/55R16). Actual savings may vary based on proper tire maintenance, vehicle, 65,000 mile tire life, driving style and road conditions.