How dangerous is it to use worn tires?

At the end of 2023, the famous Birmingham auto magazine Auto Bild organized an unusual test. It was not new, but already worn-out sets that were tested. The purpose of the races was to measure the length of the braking distance – this was done taking into account the different depths of the tread pattern.

If the car is driving fast, but nothing happens when you press the brake, it’s scary. But this is exactly the situation that experts tried to reproduce on a closed track (taking into account safety rules, of course). For testing, 3 sets with different degrees of tread wear were selected: 

Gradually, part worn tyres wholesale. The central part of the treadmill is the first to suffer. It comes into contact with the road surface more than others; its condition determines the quality of engagement. When the pattern is erased, controllability during water planning deteriorates significantly at a speed of 100 km/h.

5 mm;

3 mm;

1.6 mm.

For comparison, we also used new tires to get an extremely objective picture. The movement was simulated on the test site at a speed of 130 km/h.

 A depth of 1.6 mm is not enough!

It is this residual tread depth that is considered the minimum acceptable. However, when simulating a situation where it is raining, the wipers are actively working, and the brake lights of the car in front come on, it turns out that it does not guarantee safety.

 As a result, during emergency braking, the car came to a complete stop after 150 m. It crashed at a speed of 106 km/h into a cardboard wall specially designed for testing. And the other car – with the maximum tread depth on the tires – stopped 60 m before the obstacle.

New kit – guaranteed safety in wet areas

Experts often mention the dangerous effect of hydroplaning – when a wedge of water appears between the road and the wheel. In such conditions, the tire begins to float. And here even electronic systems like ABS or ESP are powerless – they are not able to influence anything.

And if the tires are already worn out, under no circumstances should you continue to drive on them. You need to change them immediately or not drive at all. Using tires with a remaining tread depth of less than 1.6 mm is extremely dangerous. This way the driver endangers not only himself but also his passengers and pedestrians. 

As the rubber wears, the height of the treadmill decreases. The process is accompanied by a deterioration in mileage, braking, and speed of response to steering in dry areas. Rolling resistance and noise level also increase. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically check the residual depth – across the entire width of the tire and in the area of the inner shoulder.

try to sell;

 Hand over to specialized companies that dispose of such waste. 

 

The last option is the best. Finding someone who can accept used tires is not difficult. Look at the acceptance map in the search engine and find the address that suits you. The largest Birmingham plant engaged in wholesale part worn tyres. Wheels of different sizes can be accommodated here. The price for waste is the highest in Birmingham and the region. If it is not possible to deliver raw materials to the plant yourself, find out the company’s phone number, call the managers and discuss this point. The plant’s employees organize the removal of tires from any address in the city or region using their transport. Plus, you will earn money for delivering waste.

About Author