Why Is Tire De-Treading Dangerous?

Tire de-treading occurs when the tire tread wears down to the point where it can no longer provide adequate road traction. This can be dangerous because it increases the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads. It also reduces the tire’s ability to grip the road in snowy or icy conditions.

This can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of accidents or crashes. Additionally, when a tire is bald, it’s more prone to blowouts, which can also have lethal consequences.

These risks make loose tire treads a serious safety hazard on the road. Treads are essential to a tire’s design, as they provide traction and help channel water away from the contact patch. Loose treads can also cause uneven wear on the tire, leading to a blowout or other failure. 

While loose tire treads may not seem so bad, they can be pretty dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) linked 664 motor vehicle fatalities to loose tire treads in 2020. The parties involved could have prevented many of these deaths if they had observed due diligence.

Therefore, checking your tires for any signs of loose treads regularly and having them inspected if you notice any issues is essential.

If someone’s negligence injured you in a defective tire or loose tire tread-related accident, it’s time to know your rights. Check out the legal resources offered by The Personal Injury Center on this matter. When you’re ready to lawyer up, you can also choose a personal injury lawyer from their database. 

Contact them today for a free case evaluation.

Key Takeaways
  • Tire tread separation causes are often a result of tire wear.
  • Proper inflation, including regular rotation and balancing, can prevent or minimize tread separation.
  • Tread separations may be due to internal defects in the tire, such as a bulge or tear in the sidewall that allows air to leak out.
  • The liable parties can include the tire manufacturer, the company that sold the tire, and potentially the vehicle manufacturer. Suppose the cause of tire de-treading is improper maintenance. In that case, the vehicle owner can also be liable for the injuries.

What are tire treads?

Tire treads are the grooves and patterns on the surface of a tire that help provide traction on the road. They also help to channel water away from the tire to improve grip on wet roads. They are the part of the tire that comes into contact with the road surface and play a critical role in the vehicle’s safety and performance.

Tire treads wear down over time, so it is vital to check them regularly. It is equally important to choose the correct tread pattern.

The best tread pattern for a tire depends on the specific driving conditions and the type of vehicle. However, there are a few common tread patterns that are typically good options for different types of driving:

  • All-season tread pattern: This is a popular choice for daily drivers, designed to provide good traction in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and dry roads.
  • Performance tread pattern: This type of tread pattern is for high-performance vehicles and sports cars. It provides maximum grip and handling on dry roads but may not perform as well in wet conditions.
  • Mud-terrain tread pattern: This type of tread pattern is designed for off-road vehicles and provides maximum traction in muddy and off-road conditions.
  • Snow tire tread pattern: This type of tread pattern is designed for winter driving conditions and provides maximum traction on snow and ice.
  • Low-profile tread pattern: This type of tread pattern is for luxury and high-performance vehicles, providing a smooth and quiet ride with good handling and grip.

Generally, a tire with deeper and wider grooves will be better at channeling water and snow. On the other hand, a tire with a more aggressive tread pattern will be better at off-roading. However, this will also have trade-offs, such as increased road noise and reduced fuel economy.

Consulting a professional on the best tread pattern for your vehicle and driving conditions is always a good idea.


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What are the functions of tire treads?

Tire treads serve several vital functions, including:

  • Traction: Treads provide the friction between the tire and the road that allows a vehicle to move forward and stop. The treads’ shape, depth, and pattern can affect the tire’s ability to grip the road in different weather conditions.
  • Hydroplaning prevention: Treads help to channel water away from the contact patch between the tire and the road. This helps to prevent hydroplaning
  • Noise reduction: Treads can help to reduce road noise by absorbing vibrations and dissipating them as heat.
  • Wear: Treads protect the underlying tire structure from wear and tear caused by contact with the road.
  • Snow and ice traction: Tires with more aggressive treads provide better traction on snow and ice.
  • Self-cleaning: Treads throw off mud, snow, and other debris as the tire rotates. This helps to maintain traction and prolong the life of the tire.

Overall, tire treads balance safety, performance, and durability for the vehicle and its driver.

What are the signs that your tire treads are starting to separate?

The treads on your tires will wear down over time. However, if they start to separate prematurely, it can signify a serious issue. 

Tire tread separation can happen due to various factors, such as age, improper inflation, or defects during the manufacturing process. It’s best to know the signs that your tire treads are separating so you can take actions to address the problem. Do this before it becomes a serious safety hazard. 

If you see the grooves of the tread pattern with a few millimeters of rubber left, replace the tire immediately. If you’re worried about whether or not there is separation in your tire treads, take it to a shop. They can test the tread depth with a micrometer and let you know if there is any separation.

Here are more specific signs of tire tread separation

Bulging or blisters on the sidewall of the tire

Bulges on the sidewall may indicate internal damage to the tire, such as a puncture or impact. It could also mean a manufacturing defect.

This can appear as gaps, cracks, or splits in the treads. It could be visible as lifting or peeling the treads away from the rest of the tire. This separation can be due to age, improper inflation, or manufacturing defects.

Visible tire separation between the tread and the rest of the tire

This can appear as gaps, cracks, or splits in the treads. It could be visible as lifting or peeling the treads away from the rest of the tire. This separation can be caused by age, improper inflation, or manufacturing defects.

Vibration or shaking while driving

Tires with tread separation issues may not provide a smooth ride, as the treads are not evenly distributed on the tire. This can result in an imbalance in the tire, causing the vehicle to vibrate or shake. This vibration or shaking can occur at any speed and can be especially noticeable at highway speeds. 

Loud thumping or humming noise while driving

When the treads start to separate from the rest of the tire, it can cause tire imbalance. As the tire rotates, this can lead to a loud thumping or humming noise. You can hear the noise even when driving at low speeds, which is especially noticeable on a smooth road.

Uneven or abnormal tread wear on the tire

When the treads separate from the rest of the tire, it can cause the wheels to wear unevenly. This means there’s more wear on one side of the tire than on the other.

Also, this can cause an uneven weight distribution on the wheels, increasing wear on its center or edges. You can identify this by checking if the tread depth is consistent.

What are the common causes of tire tread separation? 

There are several common causes of tire tread separation, including the following: 

  • Age: As tires age, the rubber can become dry and brittle, leading to tread cracking and separation. 
  • Overloading: Overloading a vehicle can cause excessive stress on the tires, leading to the separation of its treads.
  • Tire over and underinflation: Underinflated or overinflated tires can cause excessive stress on the treads, leading to their separation.
  • Manufacturing defects: Tires can be defectively manufactured, leading to the treads’ separation.
  • Improper maintenance: Remembering to rotate or balance your tires can prevent uneven wear and separation of the treads.
  • Road hazards: Running over potholes, curbs, or debris can cause damage to the tire, which can lead to the separation of the treads.
  • Impact damage: Hitting a pothole, curb, or other sharp objects can cause internal damage to the tire, also leading to the separation of its treads.
  • Heat: Excessive heat can cause the rubber in the tire to soften and become more susceptible to tread separation.

Note that not all of these signs are externally visible. Regular tire checkups and maintenance and avoiding overloading or underinflating your tires can help prevent tread separation.

Why is tire de-treading dangerous? 

Tire de-treading is dangerous because it can cause accidents. The treads on a tire help provide traction when driving, which is especially important in bad weather conditions. Without the treads, a tire can become slippery and cause the vehicle to slide out of control.

Reduced or missing treads can also be dangerous when driving on a highway or at high speeds. The vehicle will be less stable and more likely to skid on the road.

When tires de-tread, they can no longer stop your vehicle as quickly or effectively. With this, the car will be more likely to slip and slide or hydroplane.

Below are some of the consequences of tire de-treading.

Reduced tire treads mean more grip slips 

Winter grip slips or black ice can be dangerous because they can cause a vehicle to lose traction on the road. This can make it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the car and increase the risk of a car accident. 

Winter grip slips are particularly dangerous because they are often invisible. That makes it difficult for drivers to detect them until it’s too late. Additionally, black ice can form on bridges and overpasses, which can freeze before the rest of the road surface. This can also create a dangerous situation for drivers.

If you suspect a road surface is icy, it’s essential to slow down. Keep your distance from other vehicles, and avoid sudden braking or steering.

Low tire treads mean frequent wet weather braking

Wet weather braking can be dangerous because it can cause a vehicle’s tires to lose traction on the road surface. This can happen when applying a vehicle’s brakes on a wet road. Water reduces the friction between the tires and the road, making it harder to slow down or stop the car.

Additionally, wet weather braking can cause the wheels to lock up. This makes the vehicle skid or slide, increasing its vulnerability to car crashes. 

Loose tire treads can increase the chances of hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the surface due to a layer of water between the tires and the road. This can make the car lose traction and slide on the road surface.

It can be dangerous because it can cause a vehicle to spin, leading to a fatal car crash. Additionally, hydroplaning can happen at high speeds, making it even more difficult for the driver to regain control of the vehicle. 

What are the ways to prevent tire tread separation?

To prevent tread separation, you should regularly maintain your tires. Bring your tire’s pressure up or down as needed to match the recommendations in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Always stay within your vehicle’s maximum load capacity to prevent tread separation.

By following these preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of tire tread separation. You can also ensure that your tires are safe and reliable. 

However, no matter how well you maintain your tires, they will eventually reach the end of their service life. When that happens, you will need to replace them.

Check tire pressure regularly 

Regularly checking tire pressure is a critical way to prevent tire tread separation. Underinflated or overinflated tires can cause excessive stress on the treads, leading to separation.

Underinflation creates more flexing on the sidewall of the tire. This can cause the tire to overheat and the treads to separate. Overinflation can cause the center of the tire to wear more quickly and the treads to separate.

You should check tire pressure a minimum of once a month and before going on long trips. Also, inflate your tires to the recommended pressure specified by the vehicle or tire manufacturer. You can find the proper tire pressure for your vehicle in the owner’s manual. You can also find it on the placard on the driver’s side door jamb.

Also, note that tire pressure can change due to temperature changes. It’s a good practice to check the tire pressure when the temperature varies significantly. Tire pressure decreases when the temperature drops and increases when the temperature rises. Keeping your tires at the correct pressure can help to extend their life and improve the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

While regular tire pressure checks are essential, they are not substitutes for regular tire maintenance. The latter should include visual inspections, rotation, or replacement when necessary.

Be mindful of the tire rotation cycle 

Tires on the front and rear of a vehicle wear differently, and rotating your tires can help ensure they wear evenly. This can help extend your tires’ life and prevent tread separation.

Rotate your tires regularly, usually every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or as prescribed by the vehicle or tire manufacturer. The goal is to ensure that each tire wears evenly.

Keep your tires balanced

Balancing your tires means adding small weights to the wheel assembly to distribute the weight evenly around it.  A tire out of balance will cause the wheel assembly to vibrate, leading to uneven tire wear.

An out-of-balance tire can also damage the vehicle’s suspension and steering components. Balancing your tires can be done by a professional mechanic. It’s a quick and relatively inexpensive process that can help extend your tires’ life and improve the vehicle’s handling and stability.

Install tires in pairs or sets

When you put on new tires, installing them in pairs or sets is essential. Check whether your car is two-wheel or all-wheel drive. For the latter, you need to check the owner’s manual to prevent damaging the drive train. If you have a two-wheel drive vehicle, you need to determine the wear and tear levels and follow these guidelines: 

  • 30% worn tires: Replace just one tire and put the new one on the rear axle. 
  • 40 to 50% worn tires: Buy and replace two similar tires and place them on the rear axle.
  • 70% worn tires: Replace all the tires of your vehicle. 

De-treading can occur when installing a new tire on one side but keeping an older tire on the other. The new tire will have more tread than the older tire and will wear less quickly. This can pull the vehicle to one side, causing uneven wear on the tires. Again, this can lead to tread separation.

Additionally, ensure that the new tires have the same tread pattern and are from the same manufacturer as the existing tires. This will guarantee that the tires will perform similarly and wear evenly. Installing tires in pairs or sets can prolong the life of your tires and avoid de-treading.

Store tires properly

When storing tires, keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place, preferably in a garage or a shed. Exposure to sunlight and high humidity can cause the rubber in the tires to degrade and become brittle. Also, it’s important to avoid storing tires near chemicals or fuels that can damage the rubber.

When storing tires for an extended period, use tire covers to protect them from sunlight, dust, and other damage-causing elements. It’s also a good idea to check on them every few months to ensure they’re in good condition.

Properly storing tires can help prolong your tires’ life and prevent tread separation. This also ensures that your tires will still be in working condition when you need to use them.

When do you need a tire tread separation case lawyer?

You might need a lawyer if you or a loved one was in an accident caused by tire tread separation. A lawyer can offer assistance in navigating the legal process and protecting your rights in these cases. They can also help you understand your options and the potential outcomes of a tire tread separation case.

A tire tread separation case lawyer can help determine who is liable for the accident. They’ll help you figure out whether it is the tire manufacturer, the vehicle manufacturer, or another party. They can also help you gather evidence and build a solid case to support your compensation claim.

Regarding insurance claims, a tire tread separation lawyer can negotiate with the insurer on your behalf. They’ll work to secure a fair settlement for your injuries and damages. 

In some cases, a tire tread separation case may go to trial. A lawyer can help you prepare and will present your case in court.

Suppose you’ve recently been in a tire tread separation accident due to someone else’s negligence. In that case, you must contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Most personal injury lawsuits have a statute of limitations that varies by state. You must file a lawsuit within the allowed period.

Did you know?

Tires provide friction between the road and the vehicle. The more the tire surface touches the street, the better the friction. Treads make it safer when traveling in changing weather conditions. Without these treads, road moisture can cause the car to hydroplane.

Claim Compensation When Someone’s Negligence Injured You  

The first step in claiming compensation is to prove that the other party was negligent. This means they failed to take reasonable care to prevent harm to others and that their actions or inaction caused your injuries.

Negligence can be on the part of the manufacturer, the seller, or the installer. It may also be on the vehicle owner, primarily due to improper tire maintenance.

To claim compensation, you will need to gather evidence to support your claim. This may include pictures of your injuries, medical records, and witness statements. You will also need to prove the extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with your injuries.

Once you have the necessary evidence, you can file an injury claim against the at-fault party. You can go after their insurance company or file a lawsuit in court.

If you’re unsure how to move forward in a tire tread separation case, get in touch with The Personal Injury Center. It’s the leading legal resource for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of the law and their legal rights. We also have a database of lawyers you can hire when filing a personal injury claim. 

Check out our website today and get a free consultation!

If you’re wondering if your case is worth pursuing, consult a lawyer specializing in personal injury cases. The Personal Injury Center’s tort lawyer database is the best place to find one. 


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FAQs on Why Tire De-Treading is Dangerous

Retreading a tire involves removing the old tread and applying a new tread to the tire. The process can be either molding or bonding new treads on an old tire.

While retreading can extend the life of a tire, there are some concerns about the quality of the retreading process. This is true mainly when an unqualified or unregulated retreader does the procedure.

Retreaded tires may be more likely to fail than new tires, mainly when the retreading process is not done correctly. There is also a risk of tread separation, which can be dangerous and lead to accidents.

Retreaded tires are not advisable for commercial vehicles traveling at high speed. This is also not advisable for trucks that carry heavy loads, such as trucks or buses. Also, checking with the vehicle manufacturer or the tire is essential. See if they approve retreaded tires, as some manufacturers may not consider them safe to use on their vehicles.

You should always use new tires. However, if you use retreaded tires, have them inspected by a professional. They will check for any signs of wear or damage and ensure that the retreading process is done correctly.

It's not advisable to continue driving if your tire treads are separated. When the tread separates from the rest of the tire, it can cause the tire to lose its structural integrity. This can lead to a sudden loss of air pressure, resulting in a blowout. 

Also, when the tread separates, it can cause the vehicle to vibrate or pull to one side. This can affect the vehicle's handling and stability, making it difficult to control.

If you notice any signs of tread separation, a professional must inspect your tires as soon as possible. If you determine that the tire is unsafe, you should have them replaced immediately.

It's essential to keep in mind that tires are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road. Their condition can directly affect the vehicle's handling and stability, so it's essential to take good care of them. You must ensure they're in good condition at all times.

You should not drive a vehicle with tires of different tread depths. When tire treads are worn unevenly, it can pull the car to one side or the other. You will have a harder time controlling the vehicle. Additionally, tires with less tread will lose traction more quickly on wet roads, which can lead to hydroplaning or skidding.

Having different tire tread depths can also cause uneven wear on the tires. This can lead to premature tire failure and tread separation, which may lead to a crash.