4 days ago
‘Do You Really Think I Need New Tires?:' Dealership Says Customer Needs New Tires. Here's How to Tell if Yours Are Worn Out
The masterminds behind an Alabama-area car dealership went viral on Facebook after sharing a cheeky video showing how to tell when it's time for new tires.
Town & Country Ford (@AlabamaFord) posted the clip to its Facebook page in May, urging customers to bring their cars in for inspection if their tires are looking rough. In the video, a dealership employee poses the line, 'Do you really think I need new tires?' before the camera pans over to three men who all share one physical trait—they're bald.
The joke might have gone over some viewers' heads, but for others, the message was clear: If your tires are worn down to the point that there's little to no tread left—much like a bald head—it's time to get them replaced.
'We think it's time to get some new tires,' the caption reads. 'Get yours at Town & Country Ford.' As of this writing, the
video
has racked up over 608,000 views.
What Does It Mean If My Tires Are 'Bald'?
When a tire is bald, it
means
the tread has worn down so much that there's barely any grip left. That grooved pattern is what helps your car stay on the road, especially in rain or snow.
Tires have built-in wear bars that run across the tread. If the tread wears down to the same level as those bars, the tire is no longer safe. Anything
at or below
2/32 of an inch is legally worn out.
According to
Bridgestone
, the largest manufacturer of tires in the world, there's an easy way to check. Take a penny and insert it into one of the grooves with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too low, and the tire needs to go.
You should also keep an eye out for cracks or deep cuts in the rubber, especially if they expose metal belts underneath. Bulges in the sidewall or tread are another warning sign.
If anything looks off or feels weird when you drive, always get your car checked. Skipping maintenance or ignoring signs can speed up the damage and put you at risk.
Driving With Bald Tires Is Extremely Dangerous
Driving on bald tires is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
When the tread wears down, you lose traction. Those grooves in your tires help push water away so the rubber can grip the road. Without them, you're
more likely
to hydroplane on wet pavement.
Stopping becomes an issue, too. Worn tires take
significantly longer
to brake, especially in bad weather.
Bald tires are also more likely to get punctured or blown out. With less rubber between you and the road, things like nails and potholes can do serious damage.
In other words, good tread isn't optional—it's what keeps you safe. Check your tires regularly, and as Town & Country Ford said, replace them when they're worn.
Viewers Appreciate Dealers' Way of Teaching About Cars
Viewers praised Town & Country Ford's cheeky video as a clever way to teach people about bald tires. Some admitted the joke went over their heads at first—pun intended—but said it landed once they caught on.
'I'm so slow it took me a minute to realize,' one commenter wrote with a crying laughing emoji.
'I understand how old and bald play into this,' another added. 'You lost me at beards.'
A few joked about the missing fourth 'tire' in the video, since only three bald men were shown.
'So you're telling me one's still good, right?' one person quipped.
'Old, bald, and you're missing a fourth tire!! [You're] riding on three wheels!!?' another said.
'Someone shoulda took one for the team and shaved their head for the fourth tire,' a third added.
Still, not everyone was laughing. One woman shared a cautionary tale: 'Me the other day, when I said, 'It'll be fine,' then had a blowout going down the interstate with the wires showing.'
Motor1
has reached out to Town & County Ford via a Facebook direct message.
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