What are three reasons tires are required to be replaced?

The choice focusing on wear or minimum tread depth, tire age, and tire damage accurately captures the essential reasons for tire replacement in a firefighting context.

Tire wear or minimum tread depth is critical because tires must maintain an adequate grip on the road to ensure vehicle stability, especially during emergency maneuvers. Tread depth directly affects traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions. If the tread is worn down below the minimum threshold, it not only compromises safety but may also violate regulatory standards for operational vehicles such as fire trucks.

Tire age is another vital factor because tires degrade over time, even if they appear to have sufficient tread left. Older tires can be more susceptible to failure due to factors like dry rot or rubber degradation, which can lead to blowouts or loss of control during critical operations.

Lastly, tire damage encompasses any visible or invisible impairments, such as cuts, punctures, or bulges, that can severely affect a tire’s integrity. Such damage can compromise the tire's ability to perform safely during emergency responses.

Each of these elements works together to ensure that the vehicles used for firefighting are capable, reliable, and safe, maintaining the operational readiness crucial in high-stress situations.