When you buy tires for your vehicle, most people never think twice about safety. In fact, since the tires are new, they assume that they'll be completely safe when cared for in the appropriate manner.
Unfortunately, tire defects come into play every now and again. And since this rubber is the only thing between your car and the road, a defect can lead to an accident.
Here are some of the many warning signs that something could be wrong with a tire:
- Cuts or cracking in the sidewall
- Uneven tread wear
- Blisters or bulges on the sidewall (could be a sign of weakness)
- Tread that is wearing faster than expected
While one or more of these things could point toward a defective tire, this isn't always the case. For instance, uneven tread wear could be a direct result of overinflation or under-inflation.
If you have any reason to believe you're driving on a defective tire, don't hesitate to contact the manufacturer and visit your mechanic. This will give you a better idea of what is going on and if you need to make a change before you get behind the wheel again.
In the event of an accident caused by a defective tire, don't waste any time learning more about what happened. You need to have a clear understanding of what went wrong and why the tire was sold to you in the first place. Depending on what you find, you may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturer or anyone else who acted in a negligent manner.
Source: Consumer Reports, "Beware these early warning signs of tire failure," accessed Dec. 04, 2017