Thiruvananthapuram: Behind the smooth hum of your car on the highway lies a crucial link between safety and disaster the tire. Often overlooked, worn-out tires are ticking time bombs that can put lives at risk in a matter of seconds.

When tires begin to wear down, their ability to grip the road diminishes sharply especially on wet surfaces. A worn tire can turn a routine brake into a slide toward disaster. The stopping distance stretches longer, and with it, the chances of accidents skyrocket.

Aged and damaged tires are far more prone to sudden bursts. At high speeds, such an event can cause the driver to lose complete control of the vehicle, leading to devastating consequences for passengers and pedestrians alike.

Worn tires reduce a vehicle’s ability to respond swiftly to steering inputs. On slippery or rain-soaked roads, they increase the risk of hydroplaning when the car glides over water instead of gripping the road making it nearly impossible to steer or stop in time.

Braking with bald tires means your vehicle travels farther before it halts. During emergencies or in traffic, this increased braking distance can make the difference between a safe stop and a collision.

Tires in poor condition also mean poor fuel economy. More friction and less traction result in the engine working harder, and fuel bills piling up.

Driving on worn tires isn’t just unsafe it’s illegal. If you're involved in an accident while using such tires, insurance companies may reject your claim citing negligence.

Tires are not just rubber rings they are your first line of defense. Maintaining them isn't an option, it's a responsibility.

Safety isn't automatic it begins with inspection. Check your tires. Replace when needed. Because “If it happens tomorrow, it will be too late.”