Signs It’s Time To Change Your Tires
When most people think about vehicle repairs, what comes to mind is usually things that can’t be seen such as the engine, brakes, transmission, etc. Yet, if you have had a car for long enough, you know that tires are one aspect of a vehicle that you’ll continue to revisit as a car owner. Tires are not a one-and-done aspect of a car, and it’s likely they’ll need to be replaced several times over the span of your car’s use. Considering everything a car’s tires are put through, their limited lifespan isn’t necessarily a surprise. Car accident lawyers at Fiedler Deutsch, LLP explain how car accidents, both small and large, can pose a financial and physical strain on victims. Car maintenance is key to eliminating unwanted accidents due to technical complications.
This is important to keep in mind because overused tires make for an unsafe vehicle, with one study claiming bad tires result in 11,000 accidents each year!. Here, we want to discuss tell-tale signs that it’s time to change your tires before it’s too late.
Factors That Influence A Tire’s Lifespan
There are a number of different factors that dictate when someone’s tires need replacing. Some of the most critical include, how often they are driven, the environmental conditions they are used in, their exposure to the elements, how old they are, their make, the type of tire, how they are used, and the list goes on. Therefore, the lifespan of a tire usually depends on the driver. For example, if someone lives in the desert and drives frequently, fast, and sometimes off-road, it’s likely they’ll have to change their tires more than someone who lives in a temperate area and drives infrequently.
Severe cracks in your tires will look like deep cuts and will be visibly abnormal beside the tire’s regular tread. When you notice this, it’s a clear indication that the tire is falling apart from the inside, and should mean to you that it’s time to get them inspected. Some slits, especially those in the tread, don’t necessarily mean your car is dangerous to drive, but you should always ask just in case.
If you notice an unusual vibrating sound or sensation when driving your car, you should always make it a priority to take it in to be looked at by a professional. Although vibrating can mean several different mechanical issues, one of the most common diagnoses is a problem with one or multiple tires. According to tirebuyer.com, a tire-related vibration could be the result of flat spots, bent wheels, misalignment, improper inflation, and balance, among other things. So, when in doubt, that annoying sound could be your tires trying to tell you something.
Tires bubble because air leaks from inside the tire into what’s called the carcass, or body, of the tire. The collision will bring air out from the inside of the tires into where the air was pushed against the body upon collision. If you’ve accidentally bumped your tire on a curb, in a drive-thru, or even a speed bump, it’s best to inspect your tires for bubbling, as bubbles are caused by impact. The reason you should be aware of tire bubbling is that the tire’s structure is compromised, and your tire could blow out suddenly. This is considered highly dangerous and is grounds for immediate attention with your car dealership or auto body shop.
Tread wear indicators on your tires are easily identifiable and evenly spaced along the tread of your tires. You drive with your tires, so wearing of your tires as a whole is normal and expected. When wearing becomes an issue, though, is when you’ve fully worn out your tires, or in more serious cases, when the tread wear of your tires is uneven. If your tires are just worn down, you’ll need to replace your tires at 2/32” deep. If you notice your tread depth is uneven, this could be a sign of improper inflation, wheel misalignment, and many other things. Be sure to speak with a professional in this case.
In the event that you find yourself in a tire-related accident or vehicle malfunction, the accident attorneys at Dan Davis Lawsuggest that you:
● Move yourself to a safe location out of traffic
● Call 911
● Wait for help
● Seek medical attention if harmed
● Take pictures of the damage
● File an accident report
● Speak to an attorney
