Top 4 Common Tire Defects and How To Avoid Them

A tire blowout or malfunction can be more than just an inconvenience. An untimely tire defect can lead to an injury-causing crash, especially when it causes a car accident at high speeds. Discover the most common causes of tire blowouts and vehicle defects to take preventive actions to avoid a crash. The following represent the most common tire problems on California roadways:

1. Underinflated Tires

Unsurprisingly, an underinflated tire is more likely to sustain damage, especially when traveling at high speeds. When a tire does not have enough pressure, it causes more flexing in the sidewall. This causes much higher temperatures than what would otherwise be present in the tire itself.

Compound this with summer temperatures and hot pavement, particularly at high speeds, and it’s a recipe for disaster. A poorly inflated tire can crack abruptly under the friction and heat of highway travel, causing the car to veer in one direction unexpectedly. Motorists can avoid this dangerous scenario by keeping their tires inflated to the correct level, which any driver can find in the vehicle’s owner Top 4 Common Tire Defects and How To Avoid Them

2. Irregular Wear on Tire Treads

Another common scenario resulting in tire defect is the irregular wear of tire treads, which often occurs as the result of a mechanical issue. For example, a faulty suspension can cause one side of a tire to become completely bald, while the other side remains intact. Over time, this leads to poor traction on the roadways, which can cause a motorist to lose control unexpectedly. Uneven wear can also cause cracking within the sidewall of a tire, which can lead to combustion when traveling at highway speeds. Motorists can reduce their risks of injury by checking on the wear of their tires and fixing mechanical issues as they occur.

3. Road Hazards

Another common condition that creates tire defects is road hazards. Unfortunately, these are not always avoidable. Motorists can take some actions to reduce their risk of tire and mechanical damage resulting from road hazards, including:

• Using extra care in construction zones and keeping an eye out for hazards that could pierce or damage a tire
• Traveling at safe speeds during rainy seasons, which can contribute to potholes

4. Manufacturer Defects

Last, tire defects may be the result of faulty design or manufacturer by the company that produced the tire itself. Manufacturers of vehicle parts, including tires, have a duty to create and sell reasonably safe products to consumers. If a consumer sustains an injury from using a defective tire, he or she may be able to gain compensation for his or her damages under the legal theory of strict liability.

Assuring Driver Safety

Not all tire defects are avoidable. However, all drivers can take some basic steps to reduce their risk of accident and subsequent injury:

• Check your tire pressure frequently. Keep tires inflated to the level indicated in the owner’s manual. Underinflation can cause excessive flexing and crack from heat and friction; overinflating can make tires prone to a blowout.
• Drive defensively to avoid hazards. Potholes and road debris can be recipes for tire disaster. Remain alert and prepare to take evasive maneuvers to avoid any hazards.

Tire defects can cause an injury because they can lead to cracking or blowouts while on the road. These events are often unexpected, and it may be difficult for drivers to maneuver to avoid the crash. By knowing the most common causes of tire defects, drivers can better assess their risk of being in an accident and take preventive measures to avoid a catastrophic event like a tire blowout on the 5 or 405 freeways.