What are the effects of severe tire wear?
3 Answers
Here are the impacts of severe tire wear on a vehicle: 1. Reduced traction. When the tread is uniformly worn and the patterns are completely gone, it indicates the tire has reached the end of its lifespan and must be replaced. The tread patterns also play a crucial role in dispersing water on the road surface, which is essential for maintaining traction. If the wear has reached the standard depth of the tire tread, replacement is necessary. 2. Overinflation. If the center area of the tire's contact patch shows severe wear, it's important to check the accuracy of the pressure gauge and adjust the pressure accordingly. Note that overinflation is only required during high-speed driving or heavy-load driving. 3. Underinflation. If significant wear is observed on the outer edges of the tire when viewed along the direction of travel, it indicates insufficient pressure. Underinflated tires are particularly problematic for driving in rainy conditions, as traction will be noticeably reduced.
Speaking of severe tire wear, I've experienced several heart-stopping situations. When the tread wears thin, the grip is significantly reduced, especially on slippery roads during rain. The car tends to drift when turning, making it prone to losing control and skidding. Even worse, the braking distance increases considerably, and the car simply can't stop in time during emergency braking. Just imagine how dangerous it would be if the car in front suddenly stops. Worn tires are also more likely to blow out, and a blowout at high speed could directly cause the car to flip. This is a matter of life and death and cannot be taken lightly. Noise is also a big issue, with the car sounding like a tractor inside. It's important to regularly check tire pressure and tread depth. It's recommended to measure with a coin or depth gauge every three months. If the tread is less than 1.6 millimeters, it must be replaced. Safety comes first—don't skimp on that little bit of money.
From a cost-saving perspective, severely worn tires can drain my wallet. Fuel consumption skyrockets as rolling resistance increases, forcing the engine to work harder—driving 100 kilometers with worn tires consumes 10% more fuel than with new ones, adding up to hundreds more in annual fuel costs. Repair expenses after a blowout or malfunction are even more staggering: replacing a single tire costs at least 600-700 RMB, while suspension damage can run into thousands. Uneven wear cuts tire lifespan in half—tires that should last four years may wear out in just two. I’ve also found that regular tire rotation and maintaining proper pressure save significant costs. Routine maintenance, costing just a few dozen RMB, prevents major repairs and expenses, proving worthwhile in the long run.
