Tire Accidents from Tire Blowouts to Tire Separation
Many of us spend a good part of our day in the car, trusting that the tires we’re riding on and those of other drivers are reliable. Most tires have a significant lifespan usually logging thousands of miles without issues, however, tire failures can pose severe impacts on drivers and on everyone else on the road. Car crashes involving tire blowouts, skidding on bald tires, carrying more weight than the vehicle can safely handle and other tire failure accidents can be prevented with routine tire maintenance.
Car Tire Failure Signs and Safety Tips
Some of the most important things you can do to avoid tire failure, such as blowouts and flat tires are the following:
- Maintain proper tire pressure
For your safety, follow the recommended PSI (pounds-per-square-inch) tire pressure for your vehicle. According to a study, underinflated tires can increase the likelihood of a car crash. Over inflated tires can also pose problems so maintaining proper pressure is essential. - Observe tire and vehicle load limits
Don’t carry more weight inside your vehicle than your tires or vehicle can safely handle. - Avoid road hazards
Whenever possible, avoid road hazards, like uneven pavement, potholes, debris, etc. in order to protect your tires from gashes and cuts that can cause flat tires or blowouts. - Inspect tires
Routinely inspect tires for slashes, cuts, debris, separation or other irregularities and monitor the tread. According to safety recommendations from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), tires with tread worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less are not safe and should be replaced.
Tire Recalls and Defects
Sometimes drivers are operating vehicles with no idea their tires have been recalled due to a product defect. Tire separation is the most common of all tire failures. Tire manufacturers who have had tire recalls include Cooper, Firestone, Goodyear and Michelin. There are other common defects such as rapid air pressure loss, often prompting manufacturer recalls, therefore it’s a good idea to regularly check to see if your vehicle or parts of your vehicle like your tires have been recalled. For vehicles specifically, the NHTSA created a recall lookup page where you can enter a make, model and year of a vehicle or a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find out if a vehicle has not been repaired as part of a safety recall. You can also check recalls for tires, car seats and other equipment. Download the Eglet Prince “Street Smart Vegas” app to get updated recall alerts directly to your mobile phone.
Nevada Tire Failure Car Accidents
There have been numerous tire failure vehicle accidents throughout The Silver State. Nevada tire-related crashes may occur anytime during the year, from our scorching summer months to our cold winter season. Accidents from tire failures can cause serious injuries and fatalities, but some of these accidents can be prevented with proper tire safety and tire care.
Replacing Your Worn, Damaged or Defective Tires
Whether you’re in the market for new tires due to worn tires, defective tires or damages sustained in a motor vehicle accident, you can find helpful information from Consumer Reports and the NHTSA. Consumer Reports offers a tire buying guide, along with tire ratings and recommendations. The NHTSA has created a tire rating tool which rates more than 2,400 tire brands, including most used tire brands based on the type of vehicle you drive and allows you compare tire treadwear, traction performance and temperature resistance. Need new tires? Check out NHTSA’s TireWise site for more information.
Taking the time to regularly check your tires can help prevent dangerous tire failures and car accidents. No matter where you go during your daily commute or long road trip, keep these resources and tips in mind for a safe drive to your destination.