Defective Tires: Know the Warning Signs

Defective tires can place you in danger on the road, so it’s important to know what signs to watch for that indicate your tires were manufactured improperly. Tires are made of several bands of steel, rubber, and polyester fiber holding everything together, making it possible for flaws to emerge in the manufacturing process. Finding and replacing a defective set of tires can save your life and may entitle you to compensation. Watch out for the following warning signs from your tires, which can indicate they’re defective.

Nevertheless, defective tires are one of the leading causes of traffic accidents.

Vibration

If the steel bands within your tire separate, it can throw off the motion of the tires as it spins. This will show up as a vibration when the car is in motion and can impact your car’s ability to safely turn. If you’ve tried rebalancing your tires but it still has this problem, then they could be defective.

Sounds

If your tire makes anything besides the sound of rubber on asphalt, it could be defective. Common sounds to watch for that indicate a problem include the following thumping and humming. Tires that thump typically have a flat spot that interrupts their ability to roll properly and are a danger at any speed. Tires that hum have a problem known as a chopped thread, which means the tire is somewhat lopsided.

Poor Traction

Your tires need sufficient traction to safely grip the road and to channel water away. If a tire is made without sufficient read, it can place a car at risk of hydroplaning when it’s wet on the road. To measure how much tread you have, you can simply stick a penny in your tire. If you can’t see Lincoln’s head, it means you have more than the minimum of 1/16th of an inch of tread recommended. If you can see his head, your tires could be defective.

Damaged Sidewalls

The sidewalls of the tire provide structure integrity, and if they’re damaged due to a production defect, it can place you and others on the road in danger. Check the sidewalls for signs of cracking, which can indicate that the tires weren’t built right. A crack along the sidewall can indicate a leak, which can lead to a blowout while you’re driving.

Uneven Tread Wear

A tell-tale sign that your tire is defective is that the tread is wearing unevenly. Theoretically, the treads on your tires should wear down evenly on both tires on each side of your car. If they don’t, it could indicate a problem with the suspension of your car. However, if you’ve checked your car’s suspension and there aren’t any problems, it could be that your tires are defective.

What Are the Dangers of Defective Tires?

Defective tires pose a hazard to everyone on the road and can place your life in danger. You could face the following risks if you use them on your car:● Collisions with other cars or objects● Loss of control of your vehicle● Hydroplaning● Blowouts● Accelerated wear on your car’s suspension system● Lower gas mileage

Even if you’re never in an accident, defective tires can cost you money. Knowing what to look for in them can save you money and may protect you and others from the industry.

If you suspect you’ve purchased defective tires or have been in an accident due to them, speak with a product liability lawyer in Lafayette. Companies that are manufacturing and marketing flawed products can be liable for damages that you may have incurred as a result of the purchase. We can help you navigate this process of obtaining compensation so that you can receive what you’re entitled to under the law.