The Impact of Tire Tread on Braking Distance

Tire tread is the ribbed pattern of the rubber on the circumference of the tire that makes contact with the road. Tire tread helps the tires grip the road safely to have traction, especially in wet conditions. It is especially significant because it can impact the ability to accelerate safely and to brake appropriately. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the Impact of Tire Tread on Braking Distance. Here’s what to know about tire tread and tire retreading.

Tire Tread and Braking Distance 

The tire tread depth is the measurement of the groove in the tire and the top of the tire. New tires have a tread depth of about 11/32-inch. The grooves help provide traction when you’re driving over snow or mud, or on wet roads. Less tread depth means less traction. How does this relate to braking? Worn-out tires with less tread depth won’t have enough traction to slow you down as you brake on a wet road. You get less traction, which can lead to hydroplaning. You’ll need more time to brake as your tires get worn out. When your truck has a heavy load of 48,000 pounds or more, not being able to brake on time can be hazardous, if not downright dangerous. That’s why maintaining proper tire tread depth is crucial for braking, and understanding the Impact of Tire Tread on Braking Distance is essential. Deeper tire tread allows for greater driving safety.

What Is the Right Tire Tread for Commercial Tires? 

For commercial vehicles, tire tread needs to be at least 4/32-inch on steer tires and 2/32-inch for all other positions. When the tread is less than that, it’s simply unsafe. Drivers should monitor tire tread on all tires while watching for uneven wear. On many commercial vehicles, the tread may be gone, but the core of the tire may be in good condition. Tire retreading is one way to recycle tires while maintaining safety on the road. It’s essential to understand the Impact of Tire Tread on Braking Distance, and keeping the tread depth at the recommended levels is crucial for optimal braking performance.

What Is Tire Retreading? 

Tire retreading is the process of replacing the worn tire tread on old tires with new tread. This extends the life of the tire while maintaining safety standards. Tire retreading can save money for commercial fleets by reusing old tires that still have a sturdy core. Retreads are used on military vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, and school buses, confirming that they are completely safe and reliable. Retread tires are also environmentally friendly, reducing the reliance on oil to make new tires. Understanding the Impact of Tire Tread on Braking Distance is crucial, and retread tires are manufactured to meet the same safety standards as new tires, making them a reliable and cost-effective option for maintaining adequate tread depth and optimal braking performance.

Is Tire Retreading Safe? 

When done properly by experienced tire experts, tire retreading is safe and dependable. At STTC, you can see our process to understand how many safety checks our retread tires go through before they’re allowed back on the road. We have been in the tire business since 1955, and we take it seriously. Tour our video gallery on this page to learn more about tire retreading. 

Tire Asset Management Benefits Your Fleet 

Tire management is a great way to stay on top of a huge expense for most fleets – the tires. We can help monitor your fleet’s inventory of commercial tires to reduce breakdowns and blowouts. Your drivers can feel safer on the road, knowing their tires are dependable and reliable. Contact us to get more information about our tire services, including tire retreading and roadside assistance program. Ensuring adequate tread depth is vital to maximize the Impact of Tire Tread on Braking Distance, and our tire management services can help you achieve optimal performance and safety while reducing costs.

Call us now at 610-954-8473 or contact us online to find out how a tire management program can benefit your fleet.