Proper tires are critical in Indiana

Snow, ice and rain all affect drivers in Indiana, but some drivers don’t take the time to think about how their vehicle will respond in those conditions. One thing that they may not realize is that the tires on the vehicle play a primary role in how a vehicle can perform when the road conditions are less than ideal.

Drivers have to be able to count on their tires to keep contact with the ground and respond in all conditions, from dry pavement to icy roads. The average footprint of a tire is about the size of a human foot. This means that four foot-sized contact points on the pavement are responsible for keeping the vehicle where it needs to be on the road.

Tread must be suitable

One of the most critical points of proper tire maintenance is making sure the tread depth is suitable. A tire with a tread depth of less than 2/32” is considered bald. Even if only one spot on the tire is below that depth, it should be replaced. An easy way for drivers to check this is to put a penny in the tread with President Lincoln’s head in the tread. If the top of his head is visible, the tire is bald.

When someone is injured in a crash caused by a driver who didn’t perform proper vehicle maintenance, they may decide to seek compensation for their injuries. This can help them to cover medical care, missed wages and other financial damages. These cases must be filed within a specific time after the crash, so swift action is critical.