What must be checked to ensure the tires meet safety standards?

Tread depth and alignment are crucial factors in ensuring that tires meet safety standards. Tread depth directly affects a vehicle's traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Adequate tread depth is necessary to prevent hydroplaning and to ensure effective braking. In Texas, tires must have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch to pass inspection, although many recommend replacing tires well before they reach this level.

Alignment, on the other hand, refers to the angle at which the tires contact the road. Proper alignment helps to ensure even tire wear, improves handling, and enhances fuel efficiency. Misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, which can decrease the effectiveness of the tires and compromise the safety of the vehicle.

The consideration of pressure and age, while important, does not define safety standards as rigorously as tread depth and alignment. Similarly, checking the brand, model, color, or size of the tires does not inherently impact safety in the same way that tread depth and alignment do. Therefore, focusing on tread depth and alignment captures the essential aspects needed to maintain safety standards in tires.