"Worn tires -- especially bald ones -- can be deadly on wet roads," according to the latest issue of Consumer Reports magazine, which offers several tread check tips for drivers.

* "Look for bald tires by checking whether any of the tread bars are flush with the tread's outer surface."

* On partially worn tires, "stick a tread-depth gauge into each of the grooves on all four tires. Then check how many inches of usable tread remain."

* "Check tires for other flaws. Replace any tire with cracks, cuts or bulges in the sidewall. Look for uneven wear, which usually signals a wheel alignment or suspension problem."

Consumer Reports also advises readers to "stick with the sipes that your tires came with. Adding more can hurt dry performance and longevity."