Car Defect Lawyer Weighs in On Tire Safety and Time Limitations
More and more, I learn about catastrophic car accidents occurring due to the fact that the tires on the vehicle have outlived their safe life.
Vehicle manufacturers typically recommend a tire replacement every six years and most tire manufacturer warranties cover the tire for six years. However, many tire manufacturers and industry experts recommend replacement of tires before ten years.
Over a period of time as air migrates through a tire, the effectiveness of the chemical compounds added to the rubber allow the tires to become soft and flexible, which weakens the tire, causing it to become brittle and lose strength. In the South and Southwestern United States and other areas where the tire is more likely to be exposed to heat and ultraviolet rays from the sun, structural changes are more likely to be found than in more moderate climates.
Tires should be rotated approximately every 6,000 to 8,000 miles with air pressure checked regularly and perhaps monthly, and balance should be checked approximately every 12,000 to 16,000 miles.
As an experienced vehicle defect lawyer, I would highly recommend changing tires after three to four years based upon wear, as less than new tread often affects the tire’s performance, tracking, and stability in snow, ice, rain, or dirt and mud conditions. What many people often forget about is the spare tire that has been sitting in the trunk or garage and I highly recommend these always be changed with new tires.
It is important to note that the tire service life is not determined by chronological age but a function of service, storage, weather, and road conditions. As these situations and conditions vary widely, to accurately protect the service life of any specific tire is not possible. However, chance favors the prepared mind.
If, for any reason, you notice a worn down tread due to minimum depths, cuts, cracks, bulges, impact damage, vibrations, or signs of abuse such as over-inflation, under-inflation, or overloading, do not sacrifice your family’s, or your, safety.
The Philadelphia car accident attorneys of Reiff & Bily remain fully committed to consumer safety and always offer a free, no obligation consultation.
