(NUI) - Worn out tires and windshield wiper blades are symptoms of neglected vehicle maintenance that put drivers and passengers at serious risk during rainy weather.

Thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions when water builds up on the roadway, according to the Car Care Council. Deep tread accommodates accumulated water; thin tread does not. Thin tread causes the tire to hydroplane - ride up on a film of water, losing contact with the pavement (similar to driving on ice).

The simplest way to check tire tread depth is with a penny. Insert the penny into the grooves of the tread. If you are able to see all of Lincoln's head, the tire needs replacement.

Rainy weather also affects driver visibility. Because 90 percent of driving decisions depend on good vision, a clean windshield is imperative.

Streaking and smearing impair vision and are caused by worn windshield blades. One out of every five vehicles that went through the Car Care Council's check lanes had worn wiper blades.

"Replacing worn wiper blades is easy and inexpensive," said Rich White of the Car Care Council. "Why put it off until there's a downpour and your blades are chattering and smearing the windshield?"

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" campaign, educating consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance and repair. For more information, visit www.carcare.org.
Media Release Date: 4/7/04