Close up of person holding tire with black gloves on, possible tire defects.

Which Tire Defects Lead to Serious Accidents?

While you might not think of your car’s tires that often, they’re one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Even the most minor defect can lead to a serious car crash. If you want to stay safe, this post will go through the most common tire defects and some tips you can follow to protect yourself on the road.

Common Tire Defects That Lead to Accidents

Defective tires are a massive problem and can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. In fact, over 11,000 car accidents happen each year due to a tire-related incident. Dealing with tire damage on the road can be dangerous, especially if you’re on a highway where everyone is driving at a high speed.

While there are dozens of issues that could affect your vehicle’s tires, here are the most common ones that lead to collisions:

Tire Punctures

Tire punctures often happen when you drive over loose nails, debris, or sharp objects on the road. Most good-quality tires won’t initially explode when something happens. However, this issue can cause slow air leaks or sudden blowouts if you don’t tackle the problem as soon as it comes up.

Old Tires

Rubber becomes more worn out over time, even if you don’t use your vehicle that often. Used tire dealers may also sell old tires, which also puts you at risk. The consensus across the auto industry is to replace your tires every six years. However, if you drive frequently or operate a commercial vehicle, you may need to do it sooner.

Some signs to look out for in old tires include:

  • Cracks or cuts on the side walls
  • Low or uneven treading
  • Wheel alignment issues
  • Tire age

Flat Tires

You’ve probably dealt with a flat tire at some point in your life. Most cases happen due to lack of air, but they may also happen more frequently if your tires are worn out or there’s a manufacturing defect. Regardless of the reason, a flat time could force you to veer off the road and potentially crash if you’re not careful.

Poor Design

While tires today are significantly better than those even a decade ago, recalled tire incidents still occur each year. From tread separation to sidewall defects, they could prove fatal. These manufacturing flaws may not show up initially, but they could put you in a very dangerous situation when they do.

How To Protect Yourself From Defective Tires

While defective tires can be dangerous, these issues are easily preventable. Here are a few safety tips you can use to stay safe:

  • Inspect and rotate your tires at least once a month, before long trips, or before the summer
  • Check your tire’s DOT for the age
  • Don’t use used or off-brand tires without inspection
  • Watch out for tire recalls
  • Keep an eye out for any major tire recalls
  • Always check if your tires have enough air before driving
  • Keep an eye out for any major tire recalls

Need Help Filing A Claim?

Have you been the victim of a car accident due to defective tires? Our accident lawyers at Edelman, Krasin & Jaye, PLLC will analyze your case’s details and determine who was at fault. We’ll help you build a strong case and receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Please contact us at (866) 574-0729 to schedule a free consultation today.