How New Tire Safety Standards Can Protect Your Customers 

As an auto repair shop owner, your customers trust you with their safety. You ensure their brakes are sound, their engines are reliable, and their vehicles are ready for the road. But what about their tires? Often, the small details make the biggest difference. The Safe Tread Alliance (STA) is a national coalition working to make one of those details—tire tread depth—a priority for everyone. 

This is more than just a technical issue; it’s about protecting families and building customer trust. By understanding the STA’s mission, you can better educate your customers and reinforce your shop’s commitment to their safety. 

A Mission Driven by Personal Loss 

The story behind the Safe Tread Alliance is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. On February 10, 2023, Alex Bebiak lost his 19-year-old son, Jackson, in a tragic car accident. A vehicle with dangerously worn tires hydroplaned on a wet road, causing the fatal collision. 

In the face of this heartbreak, Alex turned his grief into a powerful mission. He founded the Road Ready Foundation to raise awareness about tire safety. He soon realized that to make a real impact, he needed to aim for bigger, national change. Alex partnered with Jamie Ward, President of the Ohio Tire & Automotive Association and CEO of Tire Discounters, to co-found the Safe Tread Alliance. Their goal is to update tire safety standards across the country to prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy. 

Why Current Tire Standards Fall Short 

What does this mean for your business and your customers? It starts with understanding the current rules and why they need to change. 

• The Problem: Current U.S. standards are inconsistent and outdated. Many states consider tires legal until the tread is worn down to just 2/32 of an inch. 

• The Risk: Long before a tire reaches 2/32 inch, its ability to grip the road in wet conditions is severely reduced. This significantly increases the risk of hydroplaning and extends stopping distances. 

The Safe Tread Alliance argues that these old standards create a false sense of security. A “legal” tire isn’t always a safe tire, especially when it’s raining. The Alliance is pushing for a national minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch. This standard aligns more closely with safety benchmarks used in Europe and ensures tires maintain better traction throughout their lifespan. 

From the Penny Test to the Quarter Test 

For years, the “penny test” was the go-to advice for drivers checking their tires. But this method confirms a tread depth of only 2/32 inch—the point at which safety is already compromised. 

The Safe Tread Alliance has introduced a simpler, safer method: the “quarter test.” Here’s how you can explain it to your customers: 

1. Take a quarter and place it into a tire groove with Washington’s head upside down. 
2. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, the tread is at or below 4/32 inch. 
3. This is the point where the tire’s performance starts to decline, and it’s time to recommend a replacement. 

This easy-to-remember test gives your customers a practical tool to monitor their own tire safety between visits. It positions your shop as a trusted advisor, focused on proactive care rather than just reactive repairs. 

What Tire Safety Means for Your Auto Shop 

Adopting these higher standards in your shop is a powerful way to build trust and improve customer retention. When you educate customers on the “quarter test” and explain why 4/32 inch is the new benchmark for safety, you demonstrate a commitment that goes beyond the sale. 

• Enhance Customer Safety: You provide families with knowledge that helps keep them safe on the road. 

• Build Your Reputation: You become a trusted resource for safety information, not just repairs. 

• Increase Retention: Customers who feel you are genuinely invested in their well-being are more likely to return. 

The Safe Tread Alliance is backed by industry leaders, safety advocates, and experts who all agree it’s time for an update. By joining this conversation, you align your business with a forward-thinking movement dedicated to protecting drivers. 

A Safer Future for Everyone 

The work of the Safe Tread Alliance is a reminder that simple changes can save lives. For business owners like you, it’s an opportunity to lead the way in your community. By educating your team and your customers about the importance of adequate tread depth, you’re not just selling tires—you’re providing peace of mind. 

“At Cinch, we work closely with automotive service businesses every day, so we understand how critical vehicle safety is to families and communities. Supporting the Safe Tread Alliance aligns with our belief that better data, clearer education, and stronger standards can genuinely save lives,” shared Gabe Davis with Cinch.

Cinch partner and Safe Tread Alliance advocate, Melissa Underwager with Merrick Marketing shared, “At Merrick Marketing, we believe our work should make a real impact. Partnering with the Safe Tread Alliance lets us apply our skills in a way that supports safer roads and better-informed drivers. Alex’s passion for this mission is truly inspiring, and it’s what drew us to be part of this important work.” 

Championing the “quarter test” and advocating for a 4/32-inch standard is a clear, actionable step you can take to protect your customers and strengthen your business. It’s a small change that can make a world of difference.