When on the road, there are several things that can cause a car to lose control and get into an accident. One of these things than can be very problematic are tires. Tires are what connect the car to the road. Tires are what allow the car to steer and what allow the car to accelerate and brake.
Tires are also one of the easiest things to neglect on a vehicle. Not many people are diligent about checking their tires. Tires can experience a variety of problems. Some are simple such as needing some air. Some are a little less obvious, such as uneven tread wear. Here are some thing to check before hitting the road in Kansas City:
Tire Pressure
When it comes to the air, all that is needed is to put the correct amount of air into the tires. This can often be checked with a small tire gauge available at most gas stations. With this you can check the pressure currently in your tire. Then compare that pressure to the proper pressure. The proper tire pressure can vary with the seasons, but the good news is that the proper pressures are listed right in the frame of your car. When you open the driver door, there should be a small label along the frame where the closed door covers. That label has a variety of information on it, including the proper pressure for your tires.
Tread Wear
In addition to the tire pressure, the treads are important to keep an eye on. Tread on the tire can wear out, and over time does. It can also wear unevenly. Uneven wear on treads can be from erratic driving or running over small object. But uneven wear can also be a sign of larger problems.
Tire tread can wear out unevenly when the alignment on the car is not adjusted properly. Poor tire quality can also lead to uneven wear. Both of these are problems that can lead to a blow out or the tire tearing while driving. Either of those are serious events that often lead to accidents.
Tire Rot
Tires can also rot. Poor tire quality or exposure to the elements without use can both cause tires to rot. Rotting tires are not the same at rotting fruit or bread. They do not smell or look all that different. But rotting tires are not that hard to spot. An old rotted tire will have lots of cracks and stretch marks along the side. It may also look dry and flakey. If tires have any of these marks it is time to replace them.
Lastly, tires wear out. Eventually, no matter how well you take care of them, tires need replaced. There are small measuring devices that allow you to check your tire wear, but there’s an old tried and true method that many people have used for years with no problem. All you need is a penny.
To check your tire tread with a penny, stick it in head first. With the penny pushed into the groove of the tire, look at the face of Lincoln. If you can see the entire head without any part covered, it’s time for new tires. If some of the hair of Lincoln is covered, you still have some use left on the rubber.
What To Do After a Tire Blowout
Tires are very important to vehicle safety. A blow out can be terrifying or worse. If you get into an accident, from a bad tire or otherwise, be sure to contact the contact Krause & Kinsman Law Firm for the help of an experienced legal professional.
