Audi vehicles are known for providing exceptional performance for drivers in and around Newport Beach. However, they need the proper tire tread depth to maintain this level of precision and control. That's because your tires are how your vehicle connects to the road, much like how your shoes are the point of contact between you and the ground. And, not only does tire tread depth increase vehicle handling, but it allows for safe stopping distances as well. Find out more about the effects of tire tread depth on stopping distance with the Audi Fletcher Jones
tire center! What is Tire Tread Depth & Why Does It Matter?
What is tire tread depth, and why is it so important? Tread depth is the measurement between your tires' deepest grooves to the top of the tread rubber. In 1968, experts set the minimum tread depth recommended for safe driving at 2/32 of an inch. This remains the standard.
Reaction Distance's Effect on Stopping Distance
The distance your vehicle travels down the road from the instant you recognize you need to stop to the moment when you actually begin braking is known as the reaction distance. Most drivers will find that their reaction times vary between 0.5 to 2 seconds. In order to stay sharp on the roads of Costa Mesa, you'll want to keep in mind the factors that can impact your reaction time, such as:
- Anticipation of the need to stop
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Speed your vehicle is traveling
- Medications or alcohol in your system
What is Braking Distance?
The distance traveled from the time you hit the brakes to the time your vehicle comes to a complete stop is called the braking distance. Additional factors that can impact your braking distance include:
- Road conditions and gradient
- Speed your vehicle is traveling
- Load your vehicle is carrying
- Tire tread depth and condition
- Braking technology and condition
How to Calculate Stopping Distance at Home
Want to know how to calculate stopping distance? To calculate stopping distance yourself, you'll need to consider both reaction distance and braking distance. For a quick estimate of your stopping distance, follow this simple formula:
- Use the first digit of the speed your vehicle is traveling and square it. Next, you'll want to add a zero to the result and divide by 2.
- Double your speed, and then add that number to the previous result.
To show you exactly what we mean, we'll run you through the numbers. If your vehicle speed is 50 mph, then you'd take the first digit of your speed (5) and square it to get 25. Then, you'd add a zero to the end to get 250. The total will then be divided by two to get 125. Now it's time to double your speed of 50 mph (which makes 100 mph) and add that to your previous sum of 125. With all the calculations complete, you should end up with a stopping distance of 225 feet!
Relationship Between Tire Tread Depth & Stopping Distance
Tire treads help your
Audi tires push water, mud, and debris through the tire's grooves while you're making your way through Irvine. Because of this construction, more of your tire's tread stays in contact with the road. This works to improve performance as well as stopping distance. While recommendations for tire tread depth have been held at 2/32 of an inch, a new study conducted by TireRack shows that deeper tire treads could offer increased stopping capabilities. They measured two sedans traveling 70 mph, one with a tire tread depth of 2/32 of an inch and the other with a tire tread depth of 4/32 of an inch. It took the vehicle with 2/32 of an inch of tire tread depth an additional 88.8 feet and 1.2 seconds longer to stop. Looking at this information, it could be wise to consider replacing your tires sooner.
Get Audi Tire Help With Audi Fletcher Jones
From scheduling service to maintaining your tire tread depth and even
ordering new tires online to replace your old tires, Audi Fletcher Jones is here to help you.
Reach out to us to learn more!
