A recent survey conducted by mobile data company Anyline found that many of those using their vehicles for ride-share services are misinformed about how to maintain their tires, reports Forbes.
Of the 335 current ride-share drivers surveyed, 80% said that safety is important for their passengers, with 64% claiming they check their tires regularly–but 48% of these drivers are conducting only visual inspections.
Furthermore, 23% of drivers were under the belief that a tire tread depth of 1/32 of an inch is acceptable, which is far less than industry standards. Jeffrey Lack, vice president of marketing at Discount Tire, said the chain recommends tire replacements when it reaches 4/32 of an inch.
38% of ride-share drivers also reported a tire-related emergency or sudden loss of pressure occurring while on the job, and over 40% have been forced to cancel rides due to maintenance issues.
Though these issues can be particularly challenging for those who rely on their vehicles for income, the survey results are likely reflective of the driving population at large, noted the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association’s Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Kim Kleine.
“So it reinforces that there's a lot more awareness and education that is needed, and the impact of tire safety is critical,” said Kleine.
