It may seem obvious, but tires are one of the most crucial parts of your vehicle. While many people do not view them as safety apparatuses, the reality is that inadequately maintained tires can cause serious accidents.
According to a study by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, faulty tires cause up to 78,000 crashes in the United States each year. Many of these accidents involve poorly inflated or unmaintained tires, and just a few checks may have prevented them.
What are some routine tire checks you should make?
- Pressure
- Tread
- Rotation
- Balance and alignment
- Same size
Unfortunately, even the safest drivers are likely to get in an accident at some point. If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, contact Morris Bart, LLC.
A Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer from our firm will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit. If so, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and healthcare expenses.
Pressure
According to SaferCar.gov, maintaining tire pressure is one of the most important aspects of vehicle safety. Tires that are not kept at the appropriate pressure are at risk of a blowout. They may also increase fuel consumption.
To prevent these accidents, check the pressure of all your tires, including your spare, once per month. Make sure you examine the pressure when the tires are cold – not after driving for an extended period.
The tire pressure should match the amount specified on the label inside the door, or in your owner’s manual.
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Tread
Tires that have insufficient tread will not grip the road. This is particularly dangerous when the road is wet or icy. Check the tread on your tires regularly and replace them when the tread is less than 1/16 of an inch deep.
Rotation
According to SaferCar.gov, rotating your tires can reduce irregular tread wear and help them last longer. This will also improve your fuel economy. Your owner’s manual should have details on if or how often you must rotate your tires.
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Balance and Alignment
Unbalanced tires, or those that are not suitably aligned, are particularly dangerous. You must ensure that a certified technician balances and aligns your tires. This will help keep your car straight on the road and prevent dangerous shaking and vibrating while travelling at high speeds.
Same Size
It is critical that all tires on your vehicle are the same size. They should also match the size that the vehicle manufacturer recommends.
Your owner’s manual has the appropriate sizing details, and a certified tire fitment center may also be able to provide you with advice on the most suitable tires to purchase.
If you sustained injuries in a car accident, call a Baton Rouge personal injury attorney from Morris Bart, LLC today at 1-800-537-8185. We will evaluate the circumstances of your accident and advise you on the best way to proceed. We may be able to recover medical costs and lost wages to help you pay for accident-related expenses.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
