Poorly-maintained tires can be among the most dangerous parts of a vehicle, so here are some valuable tire safety tips we should all keep in mind to prevent needless accidents and mishaps and make the roads safer:
- Choose appropriate tires – Different types of tires can be better or worse than others in certain climates and terrains. All-season tires are designed for year-round endurance, but those who live where winters are harsh may benefit from switching to winter tires for that time of year.
- Check your tire pressure – Excessive or insufficient tire pressure can affect your control of the vehicle and ability to brake or turn; high tire pressure can result in lost traction and “bouncing,” while too low tire pressure can rapidly increase friction and wear the tires down.
- Register for recalls – Drivers can register their tires on sites such as “safercar.gov” or “tirerecallregistry.com” to be informed of any tire-recalls, which occasionally occur due to safety problems.
- Avoid driving on aged tires – The older your tires are, the greater risk of the tread separating, and the risk of tire failure increases greatly after six years of use.
- Check on your spare tire – Spare tires can also age, so check your spare’s tire pressure from time to time and replace it if necessary.
- Study the tread – The grooves in new tires are about 10/32 of an inch deep, and a tire is considered “bald” when one or more grooves reaches 2/32 of an inch deep. Bald tires can be very dangerous and increase your risk of an accident, so keep an eye on their tread to make sure they’re sufficient.
- Put the newest tires in the back – Many people tend to buy only two tires at a time, and it’s often recommended to put the newest tires at the rear of the vehicle.
- Inspect tires for wear or trauma – Even small problems, such as cracks, foreign objects, or uneven wear patterns, can be disastrous if left unnoticed.
- Don’t overload the vehicle – The heavier the vehicle is, the more weight your tires must support, which creates more friction between the road and tires. Try to keep the load as light and evenly-distributed as possible.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice
