You’ve probably seen those strips of rubber scattered along the highway. Whether they are from a car or a truck, those black chunks might signify something that can affect any driver: defective tires.
When traveling at high speeds, vehicles with defective or poorly maintained tires can cause serious accidents, resulting in severe injury and sometimes death. After a blowout, the vehicle pulls quickly in the direction of the flat tire, which means that a blowout on the driver’s side could force the car into oncoming traffic. Even highly experienced drivers can’t always bring an automobile to a safe stop after experiencing a blowout.
Want to protect yourself and your family from a serious accident resulting from defective tires? Here are four warning signs that you are at risk for a blowout.
Low Tread
Driving a car with low tread is a bad idea. It not only puts you at risk of slipping on wet roads but also makes a blowout more likely. Here’s how to tell if your tread is too worn down to drive on. Place a penny in between the tread with Abraham Lincoln’s head pointed toward the tire. If you can see the top of Honest Abe’s head, you need to replace your tires.
You might also notice that your tires aren’t wearing uniformly. If some sections of your tires are wearing down more quickly than the rest, you either have an alignment problem or your tires are improperly inflated.
Deflation
Speaking of improperly inflated tires, if you notice that your tires seem to lose air over time, they could be at risk for a future blowout if left unchecked. Air can seep out of tires through the seal or valves, and cold weather can also affect your tires, so be sure to check your tire pressure regularly. If you don’t own one, invest in a simple tire pressure gauge and keep it in your car. If your tires are low, inflate them to the proper pressure as stated in the owner’s manual.
Sidewall Defects
Over time, low tire pressure can cause the sidewalls of your tires to bend and crack, which makes a blowout more likely. Road debris can also damage the sides of your tires. If you notice any blistering or bubbling on any of your tires, replace them as soon as possible.
Irregular Vibrations
If you’re driving on a smooth road and your car is shaking, pull over. It could be that your wheels are not properly balanced, but it can also mean that one or more of your tires are defective. Don’t risk an accident by driving faster than necessary to get it fixed.
Were You in an Accident Because of Defective Tires?
Even if you take all the proper precautions and maintain your tires well, you could still be at risk of a blowout. Some tires are just defective to begin with. If you’ve been in an accident and you think defective tires are to blame, contact Pacin Levine Attorneys at Law today, and let the professionals review your case.
