Identify the Signs of Wear on Your Tires

Tires are one of the most important aspects of your vehicle and vehicle safety. Because tires are the direct connection between your vehicle and the road, they play an important role in everything from how quickly your vehicle brakes to accuracy of your steering and alignment. If tires are not kept in tip-top condition, they can cause danger to yourself and others.

If you are driving with worn, old, or defective tires, you may be at risk for an accident. In fact, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that between the years of 1994 and 2004, an average of 400 fatalities annually can be attributed to tire failures. Look for these signs of wear and tear on your tires routinely to protect yourself and others from harm.

Identifying Underinflated Tires

One of the most dangerous problems that tires may experience is underinflation. Seasonal temperature changes can be a sneaky culprit for underinflated tires. Underinflated tires can severely undermine the effectiveness of the tires and the safety of your vehicle.

Underinflation may affect the handling of the vehicle, and therefore negatively affect how well you can control your vehicle. A tire that won’t hold its air or continually deflates may require replacement.

Recognizing Tread Wear

If your tires have experienced significant tread wear, it may be a sign that they need to be replaced. Because the purpose of tread is to prevent hydroplaning by diverting water, and to provide traction in slippery situations, too much tread wear can be extremely dangerous. Additionally, tread wear that is uneven can be a sign of underinflated tires, suggesting that it may be time to replace tires.

Bulges or Blisters

If you notice anything odd on your tires or out of the ordinary, such as a bulge or a blister, particularly along the sidewall, you should replace you tires immediately. A bulge or a blister is usually indicative of a spot of weakness and deterioration on the tire, which may lead to a tire blowout while driving and potentially cause a car accident.

Unreasonable Levels of Vibration

Oftentimes, the best way to know if a tire is defective is by how your vehicle feels while driving. If there is excessive bumpiness or vibration, this may be a sign that your tires need replacing.

Unreasonable levels of vibration and stability while driving can be symptomatic of a(n):

• misaligned wheel;
• underinflated or flat tire;
• unbalanced or bent wheel; or
• internal tire damage.

If you notice excessive vibrations or if your vehicle doesn’t appear to be handling properly, stop driving immediately and have your tires inspected.

In order to ensure that your tires are kept in top condition, the NHTSA and ABC News recommend :

• checking your tires regularly for visible defects;
• checking your tire pressure monthly to ensure proper inflation;
• following the speed limit, especially in hot weather, to prevent erosion;
• avoiding overloading your vehicle; and
• replacing a tire once it shows signs of balding.

Maintaining functioning tires on your car is imperative to your safety. If you have been in an accident in Florida because of defective and worn tires, consult the attorneys at Chalik & Chalik. Call us at today at 855-529-0269 to immediately begin filing an accident claim.