Summer is prime time for tire blowouts. Learn how to avoid them.
Summer is here, and along with pool parties and picnics, many people plan vacations during the coming months. What many travelers don’t realize is that hot summer weather — particularly in states like California and Arizona — can take quite a toll on tires. Higher temperatures, driving long distances, and heavier loads during long car trips can cause tires to wear out more quickly. This can lead to tires failing, which is often referred to as a blowout. Tire blowouts are extremely dangerous and can sometimes result in serious or perhaps even fatal accidents.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), flat tires and tire blowouts cause up to 78,392 car crashes each year in the United States. These accidents result in more than 10,000 injuries and 400 fatalities. At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our experienced car accident attorneys want our clients to stay safe in the summer and throughout the year. That’s why we have put together a list of the common causes of tire blowouts — and what you can do to prevent them.
Excess Weight
When you’re on vacation in the summer, chances are good that you’ve packed your car to the brim with gear and people. This extra weight can cause wear on your tires, which could ultimately lead to blowouts. To help combat this issue, check your car or truck’s Gross Vehicular Weight Rating, which can be located on a sticker inside your driver’s side door. If you are carrying an extra heavy load, increase the air pressure of your tires to the maximum pressure number that corresponds with the maximum pressure number for your tires. This number can be found on your tires’ sidewalls. Just be sure to not carry loads above your vehicle’s gross vehicular weight rating or to inflate your tires beyond their maximum pressure number.
Low Air Pressure
One of the leading causes of tire blowouts is under-inflated tires. If your tires do not have enough air, its internal components will bend and flex, causing them to become too hot and break down rapidly. When combined with hot outside temperatures, this can lead to a blowout. While many newer cars have automatic sensors to detect low air pressure, these systems may not alert you until the air pressure is very low. Routinely check your tires’ pressure by hand or have your tires checked by your mechanic regularly.
Old, Worn Tires
If the tread is worn on your tires, you are more likely to have a blowout. While most states have a minimum required tread depth, the risk of a blowout usually increases before that tread depth is reached. That means that you should replace your tires before it is required. You should also have your alignment checked regularly and have your tires rotated to prevent uneven wear.
At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our attorneys are highly skilled at helping people recover money for their injuries. We represent people who have been hurt in all types of accidents, including car crashes. Contact our office today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to schedule a free initial consultation with a skilled car accident attorney. We have a 95% success rate, and we never charge a fee unless we recover money for you!
