A Charlotte auto repair shop advises drivers to check their tire tread depth and condition to ensure safe driving on slick roads.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As winter weather approaches Charlotte and surrounding areas, the potential for ice and snow is creating concerns for hazardous driving conditions.
Transportation departments across the Carolinas have been preparing all week, and now it’s time for drivers to ensure their vehicles are winter-ready, starting with their tires.
WCNC Charlotte spoke with the team at CMD Automotive and they emphasize the importance of checking both the tread depth and the Department of Transportation or “DOT” date on your tires to know when they were built and how old they are.
“A lot of people just think of tires in terms of tread depth, but you also need to think about age because the older the tire, the less effective it’s going to be,” says Davis.
Worn grooves on tires reduce their ability to provide sufficient traction, increasing the risks of skidding on icy or snowy roads.
Davis says an easy and inexpensive way to check your tire’s tread depth is by using a penny.
- Hold the penny so that Lincoln’s head faces down.
- Insert the penny into the tire’s tread groove.
- If Lincoln’s head is visible, the tread is too worn, and the tire needs to be replaced.
- If Lincoln’s head is fully covered, your tread depth is sufficient for safe driving.
For those who prefer a more precise measurement, a tire tread depth gauge can be purchased for just a few dollars.
A minimum tread depth requirement for tire inspection is 2/32 of an inch. However, Davis advises that this is not enough for winter driving conditions.
“For ice and snowy conditions, you’re going to want at least 5/32 of an inch of tread depth or more,” he explains.
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To ensure your tires are ready for winter weather, CMD Automotive says to follow these best practices:
- Check air pressure: Maintain the recommended tire pressure as colder temperatures can cause a drop.
- Monitor tire age: Tires typically last between three to five years.
- Rotate tires regularly: This promotes even wear and extends their lifespan.
- Inspect overall condition: Look for cracks, bulges, or other damage.
By staying proactive with tire maintenance, you’ll be better equipped to handle winter driving conditions safely.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
