Tires are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. Good all-weather tires can protect you from sliding and skidding in poor weather, and they can help you brake better when an emergency strikes. Unfortunately, worn or defective tires can cause horrific accidents and injuries to passenger vehicle occupants. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2017, faulty or worn tires were responsible for 738 car accident fatalities.
Driving on bad tires, tires that aren’t right for your vehicle, or tires that are wrong for your driving needs can be deadly. NHTSA found that more than one-fourth of all tire-related car crashes involved a vehicle with insufficient tire treads. Car owners can check the safety of their tires by regularly performing the “penny test.” To perform this test, place a penny with Lincoln’s head upside down into the tread groove of your tire. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then your tires should be replaced.
In addition to tire tread, the age of your tires could also impact their ability to keep you safe on the road. Many car manufacturers recommend replacing a vehicle’s tires at least every six years from the date of manufacturing. This is one reason why safety experts caution against purchasing used car tires.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF TIRE
The next time you purchase tires, it is important to consider your driving needs and the location you’ll be doing most of your driving. NHTSA has compiled a handy Tire Buying G uide to help you purchase the right type of tires for your vehicle. When choosing the right tire, consider the following factors:
- Consider all-season tires if you need a tire that can handle a variety of road conditions and weather.
- Winter tires are best if you’re driving mostly in deep snow.
- All-terrain tires are mainly used on four-wheel-drive vehicles that need to do a combination of off-road driving and on-road driving.
- Choose a higher treadwear number. The higher the treadwear, the longer it will take the tread to wear down.
- Choose a high traction grade, such as an AA or an A. These tires will help your car stop better on wet roads.
- Choose a tire with a high-temperature grade. Temperature A graded tires will not deteriorate in warm weather as quickly.
CONTACT OUR PHOENIX CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Phoenix, you may have a reason to file a claim against the driver or auto company responsible for your injuries. At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, our Phoenix car accident lawyers know that defective and worn tires are often to blame for serious and fatal car crashes. Yet, these cases can be difficult to navigate on your own and often require an experienced law firm with the resources needed to tackle these cases. Contact us today at (602) 648-4045 for a free initial consultation and review of your situation. We are here when you need us the most – and we will fight for you every step of the way.