Auto Shops See Increase in Bald Tires, as Snowy Weather Comes In
Feb 6, 2019, 7:03 PM | Updated: 9:47 pm
BOUNTIFUL, Utah – Troopers and auto mechanics have noted an apparent increase in the amount of bald, unsafe tires seen on the winter roads, now that mandatory safety inspections are gone.
Jay Jenkins, owner of Jay’s Tire Pros, bald, said unsafe tires have come into his shop seemingly more often ever since mandatory safety inspections went away in Utah.
“It’s their own judgement you know,” Jenkins said. “If they get in their car, and it starts, and they get to work, then they go. No one’s helping them make the decision, or even forcing them (to replace worn out tires).”
Winter storms seem to bring out the bald, worn out tires, at maintenance shops. Hear why shop owners, and State Troopers say they're seeing it even more, ever since Utah dropped safety inspections. @KSL5TV at 5&6. #KSLWeather #KSLTV #utwx pic.twitter.com/T5cjtggaqK
— Mike Anderson (@mikeandersonKSL) February 6, 2019
Jenkins said winter storms, like the one seen Wednesday seem to bring them out even more. Some drivers don’t realize how bad their tires are until they start slipping on the road.
“People are trying to drive on these, and there’s no traction to go, and even worse, no traction to stop,” Jenkins sai
According to the Utah Highway Patrol, a Logan woman was killed Tuesday, when the Subaru Forester she was riding lost control. Troopers the woman wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle, but that bald tires likely caused the crash.
In another crash on January 11, troopers said a car, going northbound on I-15, near 7400 south had uneven treads when the tire blew, causing a four-car-collision.
Jenkins pointed out in his shop Wednesday, how a set of good, all-season tires can give drivers added protection.
“It has all the little razor blade cuts in it that are called sipes,” Jenkins said, pointing to one tire. “The sipes, they’re like grips.”
Winter tires can add even more control.
“They’re made out of a softer, rubber compound, which is more grippy,” he said.
Unfortunately, Jenkins said not many drivers look to get winter-ready in February. Instead, he says many are trying to get by until Spring.
“If they get to summer, they’ll try to make it to the next winter,” Jenkins said.
Wow. Hearing a lot about the crazy storm in the Salt Lake valley from my @KSL5TV co-workers. Wouldn’t know it from the north. Here’s downtown Ogden right now. #ksltv #kslweather pic.twitter.com/CQSYhoz0h4
— Mike Anderson (@mikeandersonKSL) February 6, 2019
