Consumer Corner
Driving in Wet Summer Conditions: The Impact of Worn Tires on Stopping Distance
Wet Summer Conditions: As drivers prepare for summer road trips, navigating seasonal weather with worn tires can often be an overlooked safety concern.
Driving in Wet Summer Conditions: The Impact of Worn Tires on Stopping Distance
(Feature Impact) As drivers prepare for summer road trips, navigating seasonal weather with worn tires can often be an overlooked safety concern. For those living in regions that experience seasonal storms and heavy rainfall, ensuring their vehicle’s tires are properly maintained can mean the difference between stopping safely or being involved in an accident.
As tread depth decreases, tires’ ability to maintain grip on wet pavement diminishes, increasing both stopping distances and the likelihood of losing control. In fact, on roads with light rain is where the Federal Highway Administration reports 77% of weather-related crashes occur.
New testing revealed worn tires (approximately 4/32-inch tread depth) required 30-45% more stopping distance – equating to 44-67 additional feet, depending on the tire model – to bring an average car or sedan to a full stop when braking. During moderate and heavy rainfall, vehicles equipped with worn tires required more than 140 additional feet to stop – nearly half the length of a football field. This data comes from water depth stopping-distance testing performed from 60 miles per hour at Treadwell Research Park on behalf of Discount Tire, a leading independent retailer of tires and wheels with more than 1,275 stores in 40 states.
Summer weather can be unpredictable and with the chance of sudden storms expected this time of year, drivers should take extra precautions to ensure their tires can stop safely in wet conditions.
Drivers can use tools like Treadwell, Discount Tire’s online tire recommendation tool, to compare stopping distances of popular tire models in new and worn conditions. The tool evaluates tire options based on vehicle type, driving habits and local conditions – as well as decades of data and independent testing results – to provide recommendations based on each driver’s unique needs.
Before hitting the road, consider these expert tips:
Monitor Tire Tread Depth
Tread depth plays a critical role in wet-weather traction and stopping performance. Drivers can perform a quick tread check at home using a penny. Insert the penny upside down into a tread groove; if the top of President Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time to replace the tire. If you’re not sure, head to a local tire retailer to have them check for you.
Know the Tires’ Age
As rubber compounds age, the rubber becomes harder and more susceptible to cracking and failure. To check a tire’s age at home, look at the DOT number stamped on its sidewall. Experts typically recommend replacing tires that are 6 years old or older, depending on condition and manufacturer guidance.
Rotate Tires on Schedule
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles, or earlier if uneven wear develops. Routine tire rotations help promote even wear and maximize tire life.
Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month when tires are cool, particularly before any long road trips, because ambient temperature changes as well as the impacts and pressures of bumps and turns can affect inflation levels. Underinflated tires can contribute to poor handling, excessive wear, reduced fuel efficiency and increased stress on the tires due to overloading.
To locate a neighborhood tire retailer near you to save on tires, wheels or windshield wipers, visit DiscountTire.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Discount Tire
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How to Protect Yourself from a Smartphone Scam
(Feature Impact) The first sign is unexpectedly losing access to your cell phone. Soon after, when you connect to Wi-Fi, the gravity of the situation sinks in: a criminal has gained access to your cell phone number and is trying to siphon money from your credit cards and bank accounts.
The scam is called SIM swapping, or SIM hijacking, and it’s a concern for law enforcement in the United States and abroad as more than 5,000 people have reported SIM swapping scams to the FBI since 2022. Older adults, caregivers and families can benefit from understanding the warning signs of SIM swapping and taking simple security steps to prevent it from happening.
How SIM swapping works
A SIM card, or its digital version known as an eSIM, helps connect a phone number to a carrier network. In a SIM swapping scam, a criminal collects basic information about their victim, such as their name, birthdate and address, to try to move the victim’s phone number to a SIM card or eSIM profile the criminal controls.
Once complete, the scammer gains access to accounts you may be logged into on your phone, such as bank accounts or credit card apps, without touching your phone or being near you.
How to protect yourself from SIM swapping scams
Preparation is the best protection against SIM swapping. Cell phone users should use strong, unique passwords for each online account – password managers are a helpful tool in creating complex and randomized passwords. Use two-factor authentication where it’s offered; this adds an extra layer of security when accessing sensitive accounts.
Next, consumers should protect personal information they share online, whether on social media or in texts or emails asking for identifying data, such as PIN numbers, birthdates or one-time security codes. Be wary of anyone pushing you to share personal information, particularly if they’re pushy with their request or make it sound urgent.
Check your mobile carrier to see if it offers SIM protection. For example, Verizon customers can toggle on a protection feature on the carrier’s website or app to lock lines on their account to help prevent SIM changes.
If you get an unprompted notification that your SIM has been changed, or otherwise suspect you’ve been targeted in a SIM swapping scam, contact your banks immediately and have them freeze your accounts, including ones the criminals may not have targeted yet. Next, work with your cell phone provider to help regain access to your mobile device. If you’re able, share as much information as possible with law enforcement so they can investigate, or at least document trends, in how often this scam occurs.
To find more advice to protect against smartphone scams, visit Verizon.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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home improvement
Sleep Better This Summer with Breathable Bedding
Breathable Bedding: If warm summer temperatures have you tossing and turning at night, you aren’t alone. Heat is a common culprit behind seasonal insomnia and can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. When the body struggles to cool down properly, it may lead to restlessness, night sweats, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Sleep Better This Summer with Breathable Bedding
(Feature Impact) If warm summer temperatures have you tossing and turning at night, you aren’t alone. Heat is a common culprit behind seasonal insomnia and can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. When the body struggles to cool down properly, it may lead to restlessness, night sweats, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Watch this video to learn more
Before you reach for the thermostat, though, take some time to examine your bedroom setup. Switching to breathable bedding, like Bedsure PureWoven Bamboo Sheets, can help your body regulate its temperature better overnight. Made with bamboo-derived fibers, the sets include sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and comforters designed to keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep. The bamboo viscose material is moisture-wicking and smooth, and you can choose from a variety of colors to match your decor.
In addition to choosing bedding made with soft, breathable materials like viscose derived bamboo sheets bamboo, try using fans to promote better airflow in your bedroom. You can also improve your overall sleep quality by winding down with soft, dim lighting as you prepare for bed, and using blackout curtains to keep your space dark overnight.
Making simple swaps in your sleep environment can help you stay well-rested throughout the summer. Learn more at bedsurehome.com or search “Bedsure PureWoven Bamboo Sheets” on Amazon.
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Consumer Corner
Lowe’s Is Calling on Creators to Help Design—and Launch—New Products
Lowe’s announced Creator: Into the Blue, a new program letting creators pitch product ideas and work with Lowe’s teams to develop and potentially launch items in retail. Applications are open through Sept. 1, 2026.
Lowe’s is taking its creator strategy beyond sponsored posts and curated storefronts. On June 23, 2026, the home improvement retailer announced Lowe’s Creator: Into the Blue, a new program that invites creators to pitch product ideas and, if selected, work with Lowe’s teams to develop and potentially bring those products to retail shelves.
The announcement arrives as the Lowe’s Creator Network hits its one-year milestone—an initiative Lowe’s launched in 2025 and billed as the first creator network in the home improvement industry. Now, Lowe’s says it’s expanding the pathway for creators: from making content about products to creating products themselves.
From content to creation: what “Creator: Into the Blue” is
Lowe’s Creator: Into the Blue is designed as a forum for creators—both current members of the Lowe’s Creator Network and newcomers—to submit innovative product concepts for consideration. Selected creators could receive support from Lowe’s internal teams across product development, product design, sourcing, and merchandising, with the goal of turning audience-inspired ideas into real-world items that can scale.
In other words: creators aren’t just being asked to promote what already exists. They’re being invited to help shape what comes next.
How this fits into Lowe’s bigger strategy
Lowe’s positioned the new program as a natural next step that builds on two existing pillars:
- Lowe’s Creator Network (launched 2025): A program connecting creators with Lowe’s to share DIY projects, home improvement inspiration, and product recommendations. It also includes personalized Lowes.com storefronts so creators can curate product selections for their audiences.
- Lowe’s Into the Blue (launched 2022): A separate initiative focused on helping entrepreneurs bring innovative products to Lowe’s customers.
Now, Lowe’s is essentially merging the momentum of both worlds—creator-led influence and entrepreneur-led product innovation—into a single on-ramp for creators who want to build businesses through product development.
MrBeast is the proof-of-concept
Lowe’s also pointed to its recent collaboration with global creator MrBeast as an example of how creator partnerships can evolve beyond content and curation. The collaboration included a collectible toy kitdeveloped with Lowe’s—showing how a creator’s audience and brand can translate into physical products that connect with customers in new ways.
That collaboration is now being used as a signal: if a creator with a massive following can co-create a product with Lowe’s, the company wants to open similar opportunities to creators of all sizes.
What creators can submit
According to Lowe’s, creators can submit a range of ideas, including:
- Existing products seeking distribution, scale, and retail exposure
- Product ideas that need development and sourcing support
- Collaborations tied to an existing Lowe’s product line
The message is clear: you don’t have to show up with a fully manufactured item. You can show up with a concept—especially one shaped by what your audience keeps asking for.
Application window and where to apply
Applications are open now through Sept. 1, 2026 at Lowes.com/CreateWithLowes. Lowe’s will review submissions after the application period and announce selected creators at a later date.
Creators interested in applying should also review the full terms and conditions on the application page.
Why this matters for the creator economy—and retail
Creator-led product lines aren’t new, but Lowe’s move is notable because it’s coming from a major home improvement retailer with deep sourcing and distribution infrastructure. If executed well, Creator: Into the Blue could become a meaningful bridge between:
- Audience-driven product demand (what communities want)
- Retail-grade execution (design, sourcing, merchandising)
- Shelf-level distribution (scale and visibility)
For creators, it’s another sign that the creator economy is maturing: the next phase isn’t only about views and engagement—it’s about IP, product development, and scalable revenue.
The bottom line
With Lowe’s Creator: Into the Blue, the company is betting that creators can do more than inspire projects—they can help design the tools, kits, and products people use to complete them. And for creators looking to turn their audience into a business, Lowe’s is offering a new route: pitch an idea, build it with support, and potentially launch it at retail scale.
For more details and application terms, visit Lowes.com/CreateWithLowes.
Related Links
- Apply / program page: https://www.lowes.com/createwithlowes
- Lowe’s main site (company + newsroom gateway): https://www.lowes.com/
- Lowe’s corporate site (investor/corporate info): https://www.lowes.com/corporate
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