Common types of tire failure include:
- Tread separation
- Multi-piece wheel explosions
- Sidewall failures
- Ozone cracking
- Bed failures
Perform Regular Tire Maintenance
In most cases, tire failure accidents can be avoided with proper tire maintenance. Drivers should do the following on a regular basis:
- Check tire pressure
- Inspect tires for slashes, cuts, or other irregularities
- Check tire tread
- Rotate tires
The recommended tire pressure for a vehicle is be found in the owner’s manual, certification label, or tire information placard. Tire pressure should be read when the tires have not been used for at least three hours. In addition to maintaining proper tire pressure, tires should also be rotated regularly to reduce irregular wear.
It is crucial to periodically check the tread of tires. Some tires have tread wear indicators that show when the tires should be replaced. These indicators are the raised sections in the bottom of the tread grooves. When these indicators are even with the outside tread, the tires should be replaced. Tires should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch or when it fails the “penny test”.
Penny Test for Tread Wear
Place a penny into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Lincoln's head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32" of tread depth remaining.
Tire Defects
In other cases, tires are well-maintained but there is a defect in the manufacturing or design of the tire that causes premature tire failure.
Tire manufacturers are required to perform rigorous testing of tires to ensure the safety of their products; however, in recent years there have been numerous tire recalls. If a defective tire causes an accident, the manufacturers of the tire may be liable for injuries and damage caused by the accident.
Unsafe Used Tires
A final cause of bad tire accidents is the use of second-hand tires. It is never a good idea to buy used tires. These tires are not regulated and there is probably a good reason why they are no longer being used by their original owner.
Have You Been Injured in a Tire Failure Car Crash?
If you have been involved in a Georgia car accident caused by dangerous tires, call Atlanta car wreck attorney Shane Smith. Mr. Smith will be able to determine the cause of the tire failure and identify the responsible party. He can help you get fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other accident-related losses. To learn more, contact Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656
Learn how you can protect your injury claim; download our free guide “10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Georgia Wreck Case.”