Are You Driving on Safe Tires?

As Florida temperatures heat up, tires are more prone to fail.  The tire-blowout season runs roughly from the middle of April through early October.  The reason more tires fail from late spring to early fall is simple—that’s when the outside temperature is the hottest, and when motorists are driving further, faster, and in more heavily loaded vehicles.  The combination can push a neglected or injured tire beyond its breaking point.

In a tire blowout situation, staying calm can help save your life.  If you ever experience sudden tire failure, slowly remove your foot from the gas.  Do not use your brakes.  Steer your vehicle in a straight path and let it coast to a halt at a safe spot away from moving vehicles.  Furthermore, consider the following tips on tire maintenance and safety which can help prevent a dangerous tire situation:

• Tire Inflation — Make sure that your tires are properly inflated before getting behind the wheel. Tire pressure is measured by checking the pounds per square inch (PSI). Make sure to check each tire for the proper PSI according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. Check for proper tire pressure once a month (and before especially long rides) with a tire pressure gauge, not by kicking the wheel or simply looking for visible deflation
• Tire Wear — Tire tread plays an important safety function on the road. Worn down and irregular tire tread can result in a serious crash. Make it a habit to periodically check your tire tread for sufficient depth and even wear. If the tread depth is ever below 1/16 of an inch, the tires need to be replaced. If the tire tread is uneven, the tires should be rotated or possibly replaced. It is recommended to rotate your vehicle’s tires at every 6,000 to 8,000-mile interval on the odometer.
• Tire Inspection — Tires should be professionally inspected to ensure they are roadway safe. The recommended schedule for tire inspection is five years after purchase and yearly thereafter. To determine the age of your tires, check the four-digit date code that represents the week and year of manufacture. For example, “0110” gives a manufacture date of the first week of the year 2010.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a tire-related vehicle accident, tire failure may be to blame.  I am a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of experience in helping the injured, proudly serving the people of Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, and Okeechobee.  Call me for a free case analysis and evaluation.

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