Sudden tire failure can result in serious consequences. In a tire blowout situation, staying calm can help save your life. If you ever experience sudden tire failure, slowly remove your foot from the gas. Do not use your brakes. Steer your vehicle in a straight path and let it coast to a halt at a safe spot away from moving vehicles. Furthermore, consider the following tips on tire maintenance and safety which can help prevent a dangerous tire situation:
Tips On Tire Maintenance And Safety
- Tire Inflation — Make sure that your tires are properly inflated before getting behind the wheel. Tire pressure is measured by checking the pounds per square inch (PSI). Make sure to check each tire for the proper PSI according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. Check for proper tire pressure once a month (and before especially long rides) with a tire pressure gauge, not by kicking the wheel or simply looking for visible deflation.
- Tire Wear — Tire tread plays an important safety function on the road. Worn down and irregular tire tread could result in a serious crash. Make it a habit to periodically check your tire tread for sufficient depth and even wear. If the tread depth is ever below 1/16 of an inch, the tires need to be replaced. If the tire tread is uneven, the tires should be rotated or possibly replaced. It is recommended to rotate your vehicle’s tires at every 6,000 to 8,000 mile interval on the odometer.
- Tire Inspection — Tires should be professionally inspected to ensure they are roadway safe. The recommended schedule for tire inspection is five years after purchase and yearly thereafter. To determine the age of your tires, check the four-digit date code that represents the week and year of manufacture. For example, “0110” gives a manufacture date of the first week of the year 2010.
If you have been involved in a tire-related car crash, tire failure may be to blame. This could result in a high-value lawsuit and a wide range of liable parties. Contact an experienced Pasadena auto accident attorney today to discuss your legal options.
