How to Tell If a New Tire Is Defective

Tires play a critical role in your safety when driving a vehicle. A defective tire can suddenly fail or blow out at high speeds, causing your vehicle to spin out of control, roll over, or veer into oncoming traffic. Tread separation or sidewall collapse can lead to immediate loss of steering control, resulting in multi-car collisions, running off the road, or crashing into fixed objects.

Knowing how to spot the signs of a defective tire is important. This guide will explain what you need to know about this topic. If you believe you were injured because of a tire defect, contact the product liability lawyers at Munley Law for your free consultation today.

Visual Indicators of a Defective Tire

A quick visual inspection can often tell you whether a tire is defective. Warning signs to be on the lookout for include:

• Unusual tire tread patterns
• Tread separation, in which a tire’s rubber tread loosens from its steel belts
• Cracks or bulges
• Visible tread wear indicator bar
• Inconsistent appearance of sidewalls

Spotting these signs before tire failure can help you avoid an accident. However, even if you’ve already been in a crash, it’s still wise to check for defective tires. A defective or damaged tire could have been the cause of the wreck.

Performance Issues That Signal Defects

You might not notice any immediate visual signs of defects when inspecting new tires. Or, you might not have thought to perform a visual inspection. In any case, it’s possible you won’t notice there’s a problem with a defective tire until you’re on the road. Performance issues indicating you might be driving on defective tires include:

• Excessive vibration while driving, particularly when driving at high speeds
• General handling issues that don’t seem related to a steering wheel problem or other such issue
• Loss of tire pressure for no clear reason
• Strange noises during operation

The Importance of Pre-Purchase Inspection

Protect yourself from defective tires, inspect new tires before purchasing them. A thorough pre-purchase inspection could help you avoid accidents. During an inspection, you should:

• Check for manufacturing date, found near the letters DOT along the sidewall. Try not to purchase tires that are more than three or four years old. There’s an increased risk of accidents when driving on older tires.
• Inspect for signs of improper storage, such as cracks and bulges.

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a defective tire despite taking these precautions, contact the tire defect lawyers at Munley Law. Our attorneys can investigate whether the manufacturer, retailer, or installer failed to meet safety standards, potentially leading to your injury. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options for compensation.

Tire Recalls and Your Rights

Check for an active recall if you believe you may be driving on a defective tire. Tire manufacturers often issue recalls when defects are found. Follow these steps to find out if manufacturers have recalled your tires:

• Visit the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association website at recallinfo.ustires.org
• Enter the Tire Identification Number (TIN), found next to the letters DOT along the sidewall

You may get defective tires replaced by visiting the manufacturer’s website and checking for authorized dealers. An authorized dealer can inspect and replace your tires, often at no cost during a recall. Or, you could request a refund from the manufacturer.

Liability in Defective Tire Accidents

Various parties may be liable if an accident results from a defective tire. They include:

• Manufacturers
• Retailers
• Installers

Injured due to a defective tire? Let Munley Law help you determine liability and seek compensation.

Proper Tire Maintenance to Prevent Issues

Performing regular maintenance is key to ensuring your tires remain in good condition. Maintenance should include:

• Have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
• Check for uneven wear patterns.

What to Do If You Discover a Defective Tire

If you discover a potential defect, preserve the tire in a safe location where it won’t suffer additional damage. Take detailed photographs of any visible problems. Submit a report through NHTSA.gov to alert safety authorities. Have a professional tire expert inspect the tire to confirm any manufacturing defects.

When to Call a Lawyer About Your Defective Tires

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a defective tire despite taking these precautions, contact Munley Law. Our attorneys can investigate whether the manufacturer, retailer, or installer failed to meet safety standards, potentially leading to your injury. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options for compensation.