A man in a drive-through spotted something that left him utterly baffled: a Chrysler with tires so smooth they looked like they belonged on a Formula 1 race car—not a public road. The tires were so bald, you could practically see your reflection in them. In a viral video with more than 2.5 million views, content creator @cdens418 zooms in on a car's tires in what appears to be a drive-thru. The tires are completely devoid of tread—absolutely no ridges, no grooves, nothing. They appear wet from rain, creating an almost mirror-like surface. "No [expletive] way," he exclaims in the on-screen caption. People who commented on the post joked that the rubber is smooth like: A freshly waxed bowling ball, Patrick Stewart's head, A ceramic glaze on pottery, An ice skating rink, or A good pick-up line. "What are y'all doing out here bro," @cdens418 captioned the video, tagging it #baddrivers and #danger. When Is A Tire Considered Bald? A tire is considered "bald" when its tread depth is significantly worn down. Tread depth is essential because it provides grip on the road and channels water away from the tire's contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. The legal minimum tread depth in most states is 2/32 of an inch. But experts at Meineke recommend replacing tires when they reach 4/32 of an inch to maintain safe performance. Simply put, according to Bridgestone, balding tires have minimal or no tread left. A tire's tread wears down with each mile driven, and various factors affect how quickly it wears down. Is it legal to drive with bald tires, though? Short answer: No. Driving on bald tires is illegal in every US state, though the specific minimum tread depth requirements vary. You can be fined for violations. If you get into an accident and insurance determines that your worn-out tires were at fault or contributed to the crash, the company could deny your claim, citing negligence, Meineke explains. What Are the Risks of Driving on Bald Tires? Bald tires significantly compromise your vehicle's safety, performance, and efficiency. Here are the biggest risks: Increased Risk of Hydroplaning: Worn tread can't channel water away, causing your car to skid uncontrollably on wet roads and potentially lose complete control. Reduced Traction and Grip: Without tread, your car struggles to handle properly on slippery, icy, or snowy surfaces. Bald tires make vehicles more prone to skidding when braking or turning. Longer Stopping Distances: Bald tires significantly increase braking distance. Even a few extra feet can be the difference between a close call and a serious accident. Higher Risk of Blowouts: When the tread is completely gone, the rubber is more susceptible to punctures, cracks, and blowouts. A blowout at high speeds can cause you to lose control. Compromised Handling and Stability: Your vehicle's ability to steer, accelerate, and maneuver is significantly reduced. This makes it difficult to maintain control on uneven or rough terrain. Increased Fuel Consumption: Worn-out tires create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. You'll be burning more fuel and paying more at the pump. Legal and Insurance Issues: Driving on bald tires is illegal in many states and can result in fines. If you crash, your insurance company may deny your claim due to negligence. How to Tell If Your Tires Are Bald Not sure if your tires need replacing? Try these simple tests: The Penny Test: Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see all of his head, your tread is too worn, and it's time to replace your tires. Check Tread Wear Indicators: Most modern tires have built-in tread wear bars that become visible when the tire is too worn. Inspect for Cracks and Bulges: Bald tires often show visible signs of wear, such as cracks, bulges, or uneven wear patterns. Commenters React People couldn't believe the driver of the vehicle in @cdens418's clip was driving on tires that smooth. “Driving on thoughts and prayers,” a top comment reads. “I paid for the whole tire, so i'm going to use the whole tire,” a second joked. “The tread just slows you down,” another said. “That person is knocking on heavens door,” a fourth added. Motor1 reached out to @cdens418 for comment via TikTok direct message and comment. We'll update this if they respond. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team
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