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Product Liability

Defective Tires

A defective tire can cause unexpected blowouts, tread separation, and other dangerous issues, putting you and your passengers at risk. Regular tire inspections by trained tire professionals can help prevent these problems.

Defective Tires

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Tackling Tire Failures

Tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, making them essential for safe handling and braking. Yet tire failures-such as blowouts and tread separation-remain a serious and often deadly issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that about 35% of crashes caused by vehicle issues involve tire failure. 

Tire failures can have devastating consequences, especially at highway speeds. A blowout or other tire issue can cause your vehicle to roll over, veer into oncoming traffic, or even go off the road, endangering pedestrians and cyclists. In court, tire manufacturers often try to blame the driver, claiming improper inflation or maintenance. If you’ve been in an accident due to a defective tire, our experienced personal injury and defective product lawyers are here to assist you.

Types of Tire Defects

Defective tires can lead to serious dangers well before they show signs of wear.

  • A tire blowout-an abrupt loss of air pressure-can occur due to both design and manufacturing flaws, potentially causing dramatic consequences like accidents or rollovers, even in well-maintained tires.
  • Tread separation, where the tire’s tread peels away from the steel belts, is a common design issue in steel-belted radial tires and often signals impending disaster. Warning signs can include a wobbling vehicle or bulges in the tread, yet catastrophic failures can happen without any clear signals. 

To ensure your safety, have your tires routinely inspected by trained professionals, as visual checks might not reveal hidden defects. 

Tire Recalls

If a tire is found to be defective, manufacturers are required to issue a recall. But the recall system has flaws:

  • Notices are often sent via third-class mail and may not reach you
  • Many service centers lack up-to-date recall databases
  • Recalled tires are hard to identify visually

That’s why it’s critical to have your tires inspected by a certified professional and to stay informed about recalls.

Tire Safety Tips Every Driver Should Follow

According to the NHTSA, 9% of vehicles on U.S. roads have at least one bald tire. Tips to stay safe:

  • Check Tire Age: Tires older than six years can become brittle and prone to failures. Look for the date code on your tires, which tells you when they were made. This code can be found along the edge of the tire where it meets the rim/hubcap. For example, a code of 0806 means the tire was made in the eighth week of 2006. Your tire professional should be able to tell you how old your tire is. Also, do not forget to check the age of your spare tire.  A spare should also be replaced if six years old or older.
  • Check Tread Depth: A tire should be replaced if it has 1/16th of an inch or less of tread depth. Most tires have built-in treadwear indicators-raised sections in the tread grooves. When these indicators are even with the tread, it’s time for new tires. You can also use a Lincoln penny: place it upside down in the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for a replacement.
  • Monitor Tire Inflation: Worn spots on tires can indicate under-inflated tires. Use an accurate gauge to check tire pressure, as gas station gauges can be off by four psi or more. Always use your own tested and certified gauge. The best practice is to have a tire professional inspect your tires.
  • Regular Inspections: Don’t rely on just looking at your tires to check inflation. Use a reliable tire professional to inspect your tires and follow the proper inflation guidelines in your car’s manual or on a placard in the glove compartment or driver’s doorjamb.

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