You probably want to do everything you can to stay out of an accident on the road. Recognizing the signs of damaged or defective tires is one way to do that.
Good observation skills can prevent a tire failure while you’re on the road and keep you out of a serious car accident.
What causes a tire-related accident?
Some of the most common causes of tire-related accidents are defects within the tire itself. This includes a variety of potential problems:
- Dry rot — If your tires had dry rot when they were purchased, they’re bound to fail you. This is a common problem with used tires.
- Uneven tread — This can include tread that was worn down unevenly (in the case of used tires) or made unevenly (in a defective tire). Either way, uneven tread can cost you traction on the road.
- Bulging sidewalls — If a tire’s sidewalls seem to bulge, that’s a sign of a structural defect in the tire itself. The tire can blow up or collapse very suddenly.
Naturally, you also have to make sure that you don’t allow your tire tread to get low, even if you are otherwise careful. When your tread starts to get worn, replace the tires as quickly as possible.
What should you do after a tire-related accident?
If you are in an accident related to your tires, take steps to preserve the evidence so that you can discuss the case with a car accident attorney. You don’t have any real way of knowing if the tire itself was defective without an investigation.
The pieces of your destroyed tire should be collected and kept. Investigators can look at the structure of the tire, including its beading, to see if the integrity failed. They can also check serial numbers to see if the tire was already part of a recall due to issues with other accidents.
Source: www.consumerreports.org, “Beware these early warning signs of tire failure,” accessed Feb. 27, 2018
