When tires are manufactured it is required that extensive tests are run to make sure they pass safety regulations. As a responsible vehicle owner, you should keep on top of the condition of your tires as this is one more safety measure you can take to help prevent accident injury to you and your family members. Michael L. Saile, Jr., a Bucks County personal injury lawyer, tells us of the ways in which our tires can fail if not properly monitored, and ultimately cause us to have an accident.
Here are some things you should be aware of with regard to proper tire care and maintenance:
- Tire Pressure/Inflation – If your tire is low on pressure, your run the risk of your tire blowing out while you’re driving. This could cause you to swerve or lose control of your car. If there are other cars in the vicinity, you could cause an accident. Proper tire pressure improves steering, stopping, traction and load carrying capability. If you are not sure about the proper inflation of your tire, that information can be found in your owner’s manual.
- Tire Tread Wear – If your car’s tires are worn down to 2/32 of an inch, they are likely no longer able to effectively grab the road. This danger comes into play in your everyday driving, but especially in adverse weather conditions, which can come upon us with little warning. There are ways to test your tread, such as the good old “penny test”: place a penny into a tread groove and if you can see that Lincoln’s head is covered by the tire tread, you still have a safe amount of tread on that tire.
- Aging and Climate – If you do not actually wear out your tires due to extensive travel and/or wear and tear, your tires will still structurally degrade over time due to a breakdown in the chemicals of the rubber. Hot climates (heat and sunlight) tend to speed up the aging process. Have your tires checked after five years of use, even if you do not put a significant number of miles on your car.
- Manufacturer Recalls – If your tire has been recalled, it is recommended not to drive your car until you have taken the proper precautions recommended by the manufacturer. Keeping up with current recalls helps to prevent accidents. When a tire is recalled it is because there is a defect with a large number of the same type of tire. You can often get your tires replaced and continue driving your car.
There are several specific tire-related situations that can lead to a Philadelaphia area car accident:
- Tire tread separation (happens when the adhesive that keeps the rubber treads stuck to the belt of steel starts to wear away)
- Blowout
- Oversized or undersized tires for your vehicle
- Poor alignment
- Tire/rim explosions
Tires are one of the most important safety components of a vehicle. If they are faulty or not working as you think they should, consider having them looked at by a reputable professional, and perhaps replaced. Quality tires are key in your car’s ability to stop, turn, accelerate and handle in less than ideal weather.
If you have been involved in an accident and have suffered an injury due to faulty tires, you may be entitled to compensation for you medical costs. Call the Bucks County personal injury law firm of Cordisco & Saile LLC today to speak to an experienced PA accident lawyer.
