January 28, 2021
Hurricane-Ready? Why Jax Drivers Need a Tire Check Before the Next Big Storm.
If you’ve lived in Jacksonville for more than a week, you know the drill: the sky turns charcoal grey, the wind picks up, and suddenly the streets in San Marco are looking more like the St. Johns River than a commute home.
As we approach the heart of Florida’s hurricane season, “preparedness” usually means stocking up on water and batteries. But for JAX drivers, your most important piece of safety equipment is actually touching the pavement.
The San Marco Splash: Why Tread Matters
When the streets flood—as they famously do in San Marco and across the Southside—your tires need to move gallons of water every second just to stay in contact with the road. If your tread is low, you aren’t driving; you’re essentially white-knuckling a two-ton boat.
This is known as hydroplaning, and in a Jacksonville summer downpour, it happens faster than you think.
The “Lincoln Test”: Are Your Tires Legal?
You don’t need fancy tools to see if you’re at risk. You just need a penny.
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The Test: Turn a penny upside down and stick it into your tire tread.
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The Result: If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, your tread is thinner than 2/32 of an inch.
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The Verdict: Your tires are legally bald and dangerous for Florida’s wet season.
Don’t Wait for the Tropical Storm Warning
By the time a storm is named, the lines at the shop are around the block. Checking your tires now ensures you can evacuate safely or simply make it to the grocery store without sliding through a red light on Beach Blvd.
Free Hurricane Season Tire Inspection
We want to keep Jacksonville families safe on the road. Bring your vehicle by our shop for a Free Wet-Weather Tire Inspection. We’ll check:
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Tread Depth: Using more than just a penny for precision.
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TPMS & Pressure: Fluctuating Florida heat can mess with your PSI.
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Dry Rot: The brutal JAX sun kills rubber faster than you’d think.
Stop by today! No appointment is necessary for a quick safety check. Let’s make sure you’re ready for whatever the Atlantic throws at us this year.
AB Pitstop Tire Special: FREE Mount and Balance when you shop AB Pitstop Tires
