Tire maintenance is something that many motorists have been guilty of overlooking. However, the condition of your tires is critical. Talk to a Hartford CT personal injury lawyer today to learn more.
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) analysis, approximately 600 motor vehicle deaths in 2019 can be directly attributed to the vehicle’s tires. Furthermore, the paper adds that driving a car with worn tires increases your chance of an accident by three times compared to vehicles with adequate tread depth. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following vital facts regarding your tires that will assist in keeping you safe while driving:
Tread depth
Enough tread depth is critical for safe driving, especially in the rain or snow. The tire treads will wear down over time. Thus it is critical to understand when they must be replaced. Driving with a tread worn down to 2/32 inch depth is deemed dangerous. The “penny test” is the simplest technique to determine this. Insert a dime with Abraham Lincoln’s head pointing into the tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you are at 2/32 of an inch and need to replace the tires.
Tire condition
Tires are designed to endure around five years and 50,000 miles or more. This does not prevent them from wearing out sooner. Regularly examining your tires will enable you to detect indicators of unusual wear or even damage. This is especially crucial if you reside in a region where you frequently drive in hotter weather. Driving on heated roads for an extended time can cause tire materials to degrade. Drivers in places like California and Texas are more likely to encounter such conditions. To prevent unnecessary hazards, state legislatures in these states have established tighter tire specifications.
Tire maintenance
Minor faults that go unnoticed might shorten the life of your tires. It is a good idea to check your tire pressure every month to avoid over or underinflation, which can lead to accelerated tire wear. Check the balance and alignment of your tires. Tire manufacturers generally recommend rotating your tires every 5000 to 8000 miles.
NHSA provides online driver’s education classes for teen drivers obtaining their licenses and fundamental driver safety courses for people wishing to save money on vehicle insurance while feeling more prepared to be a safe, defensive driver. Additionally, if you wish to know more about the accidents caused due to tires, speak to an experienced attorney today.
