Brochure

Tire tread depth is important because a tire’s grooves
squeeze out water, debris and snow so tires can hit
the road and keep the vehicle running safely.
As tires wear, the grooves become shallow and
compromise the tire’s ability to make solid contact
with the road. As tread depth decreases, the vehicle’s
wet weather stopping distance increases.
Tread Depth Affects a Vehicles Stopping Distance
Ideal 10/32"
60 mph
60 mph
253 ft. 280 ft. 356 ft.
Wet Weather Stopping Distance* 230 ft.
253 ft.
280 ft.
356 ft.
Proper Tread Depth Means Control in Wet Conditions
Darker area represents amount of tread making contact with the road surface at varying conditions.
10/32" 4/32" 2/32"
AT
REST
New tires show
clearly defi ned tread
ensuring ef cient
water displacement.
When comparing
stationary tires, little
difference in tread
defi nition between
new tire tread and
a tire worn to 4/32"
is obvious.
At the minimal tread
depth, tread defi nition
is barely visible —
already illustrating that
water displacement
will be ineffi cient.
6/32"
10/32"
4/32" 2/32"
45
MPH
Any tire in motion
will lose some contact
with the road, but tires
with well-defi ned tread
will maintain better
contact.
Unable to displace
water ef ciently, water
begins to pool at the
front of a tire with
worn tread.
Tires with severely
worn tread have far
less contact with the
road and allow a
dangerous amount of
water to pool at the
front of the tire.
60
MPH
At high speeds, even
tires with well-defi ned
tread cannot
suf ciently displace
water. Eventually, only
the sides and back of
the tire will make
contact with the road.
Tire’s center has no
contact with the road.
With only the sides of
the tire somewhat in
control, high-speed
road travel is
hazardous on slightly
worn tread.
At high speeds, with
minimal tread depth,
water can no longer
be displaced properly,
lifting the tire off
the road surface
— hydroplaning
out of control.
* For details see www.hunter.com/stopping