Learn the early warning signs of tire failure.
Every year about 400 people lose their lives in traffic accidents caused by tire failure.
Your tires are the part of your car that physically touch the ground and are a significant part of how your vehicle responds to steering and to braking. The condition of your tires can affect your car’s overall highway safety.
Causes of tire failure:
- Improper tire inflation
- Too much weight
- Tire damage
- Inadequate tire maintenance
- Defective tires
How can you be sure that your tires are in safe condition and will perform reliably? West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer Craig Goldenfarb suggests performing regular tire checks.
Fast and easy tire check:
1. Check your tire’s inflation. It is normal for tires to slowly lose air through the rubber and through the interfaces with the wheel as well as through seasonal temperature changes. It is estimated that almost half tof all cars on the road have one or more underinflated tires. An underinflated tire can affect your vehicle control and can lead to premature tire blowouts. See our article, “Checking Your Tire Pressure May Save Your Life: Learn More”, for tire inflation maintenance tips.
2. Visually inspect your tires. Look for the following signs of tire damage:
- Cracking or cuts in the sidewalls.
- Bulges or blisters.
If you see any of these signs of damage, your tires may be dangerous. Have them professionally inspected immediately.
3. Check your tire’s tread. Look for uneven tread wear or excessively worn tread. Most new tires have tread-wear indicator bars that run across the tread at 1/16-inch, the minimum allowable tread depth. When the tread has worn down to these bars, it is time to replace your tires.
If you don’t have inexpensive tread-wear indicator bars, you can check your tires’ tread using a tread wear gauge or a penny.
Penny Test for Tread Wear
Place a penny with Lincoln’s head facing down into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 1/16″ of tread depth remaining. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires need replacing.
4. Watch for excessive vibration. Tire vibration can be a sign of internal tire damage or it can indicate that a wheel is misaligned, unbalanced, or bent. If your car is vibrating, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Were you injured in a Florida tire failure car crash?
If you have been injured in a Palm Beach County car accident caused by dangerous tires the tire company or tire store may be liable for your injuries. A West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer may be able to help. An attorney will be able to determine the cause of your tire failure car accident and identify the liable party. Contact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb.
