If you've got bald tires, you need to replace them as soon as possible. You may think that they're safe as long as you can't see the steel belts, but that's not actually the case. In fact, the minute your tires start to go bald, they begin to pose a risk for you, your passengers, and other drivers around you. Here are just of the risks you face if you don't get your car tires replaced at the first hint of a balding pattern.

Increased Risk of Blowouts

If you're driving on bald tires, you're at an increased risk for blowouts, especially during the summer months. Tires heat up as they rotate across the asphalt. If they're bald, they'll heat up faster and get hotter. Unfortunately, the increased heat reduces the strength of the rubber, creating a situation that's prime for blowouts. For each bald tire you have on your car, the risk of accident or injury is increased, especially if multiple tires blow out at the same time.

Reduced Traction on the Road

If you have bald tires on your car, your car has reduced traction on the road. Tires utilize the treads to help maintain stability and to increase traction. Traction helps to keep your car on the road. Unfortunately, if your tires are bald, you're going to experience reduced traction, which means your car won't stay on the road the way that it should, especially during tight turns or during rainstorms. To ensure the right amount of traction, always replace your tires before they begin to bald.

Problems With Increased Tire Pressure

You might not know this, but during the summer, the heat will cause the pressure inside your tires to expand. In fact, the pressure inside your tires can increase by about one pound for every 10 degrees that the outside temperature increases. For bald tires, this increase in pressure can cause serious problems. During the summer, pay close attention to your tires. If you notice bald spots, have them replaced as soon as possible.

Loss of Braking Power

If your tires are bald, you're going to experience a loss in braking power. That's because the tread grabs hold of the pavement as you come to a stop. Without the tread, your tires will simply slide and skid across the pavement, which could lead to accidents and injuries. If you notice that it's taking longer to come to a complete stop, check your tires. If they're bald, head to the closest tire shop and have them replaced.