Check Your Tire Pressure to be Safe
According to recent research nearly half of cars on U.S. highways may be on tires that are underinflated. An underinflated tire causes additional friction and flexion in the sidewall which causes excessive heat to build up in the tire which could lead to tire separation or tire failure leading to a blowout with the potential for a collision or even a rollover. Even without tire failure a vehicle may “wallow” on underinflated tires which causes a loss of control as well as causing the vehicle to ride slower and get lower fuel economy.
It is impossible to determine tire pressure accurately by a visual inspection. Modern radial tire design results in slight bulging even when properly inflated. A regular check with a pressure gauge, preferably monthly, is recommended. The manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure can usually be found in the glove box, on the doorjamb or on the fuel tank door. The pressure reading and any corrections should be taken while the tire is still cold before starting to drive or after having driven no more than a mile or two.
Not all tire failures are caused by improper inflation. A tire may have left the factory with a hidden defect, so whenever an accident happens because of a tire failure, a personal injury lawyer should be consulted to see if an investigation of the underlying cause of the accident is indicated.
No comments:
Post a Comment