Guide to Sidewall Tire Damage in Alabama

Your car tires are not just accessories. They play an essential role in your vehicle’s performance, stability, and control. Every part of their design exists for a purpose. For instance, a tire’s sidewall is intended to prevent air from leaking around the wheel’s rims. They also provide resistance and stability throughout the entire tire casing. In this article, Alabama tire defect injury lawyer Rick Morrison, founder of the Morrison Law Firm, discusses common causes of sidewall tire damage – and the consequences it can lead to.

Common Causes of Tire Damage in Alabama

Car tires are constantly exposed to many elements that could instantly damage them, or could weaken them over time. You may not realize it, but as soon as you start your vehicle, the wear and tear starts accumulating. Some of the most common causes of tire damage include under-inflation, over-inflation, and tire overloading. If you were hurt in auto accident, you should review your legal options with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Alabama for help.

Over-Inflation

There is not a one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to car tires. There’s a wide variety of tires serving different purposes and vehicles. For instance, there are car tires specifically designed for snow, dirt, and more. What people fail to realize is every type of tire must meet certain air pressure specifications.

For instance, most passenger cars require 25 to 32 PSI (pounds per square inch) on their tires for an optimal ride. In contrast, a truck tire would need around 50 PSI when handling big loads. An over-inflated tire can exert a lot of stress on the tire. Over-inflation can shorten a tire’s lifespan, increase tread damage, and decrease its grip. Additionally, over-inflated tires are at higher risk of blowouts and bursting.

Under-Inflation

On the other hand, under-inflated tires can cause an imbalance in the tire. This imbalance could cause the tire to overheat or explode due to uneven weight distribution.

Keep in mind that using the correct amount of air pressure is necessary to withstand the vehicle’s weight, allow for optimal performance, and create the right balance throughout the vehicle. The over-inflation or under-inflation of one or more tires could lead to avoidable car accidents and truck accidents. Therefore, it is essential to perform regular checks on your tires to ensure the correct air pressure.

Overloading

Overloading your vehicle can also damage your tires, as excess weight on your car exerts extra pressure your tires were not designed to handle. Even if your tires meet normal PSI requirements, the added weight can lead to tire overheat, especially if you travel long distances. A sudden blowout is likely to cause a crash, putting you and others on the road at risk.

The amount of weight your vehicle can safely withstand can be found in the user manual. When in doubt, you always should consult with a mechanic, who can provide expert advice on how to maintain your car properly.

What Causes Sidewall Tire Damage?

A tire’s sidewall is the outer portion of the wheel facing outwards. The sidewall is relatively thin compared to the rest of the tire structure. While it is designed to be robust and resilient to prevent any air leakage, it could still suffer from physical damage. Some of the most common causes of sidewall tire damage include manufacturing defects, severe weather, and low air pressure in the tires.

Manufacturing Defects

Defective products are generally the result of an error that occurred during design or manufacturing stages. For example, manufacturing a tire requires combining different elements such as rubber and chemicals. Manufacturing errors can result in the contamination of materials, ultimately resulting in a weakened tire. For instance, if a tire’s sidewall is not adequately reinforced or is lacking any of its components, it could lead to bubbles or bulges on the sidewall during manufacturing, which can be extremely dangerous.

Weather Conditions

Exposure to different weather elements can inflict severe damage to your car’s tire sidewall. For instance, frequent exposure to intense heat can strip the moisture from your tires, which could lead to cracks in the sidewall. Cracked tires are unsafe for use and could lead to a preventable car accident.

Low Air Pressure

Driving on flat tires can cause abrasion of the materials, which were not designed to be used with below-normal air pressure. If you drive your car with extremely low air pressure in the tires, it could cause one or more of the tires’ sidewalls to wear down. This is particularly dangerous because it could also lead to a larger crack or break. If unattended, a cracked or damaged sidewall can weaken further and eventually break.

Alabama Tire Defect Lawyer Handling Car Accident Injury Claims

For many years, personal injury attorney Rick Morrison has dedicated his career to aggressively representing the victims of car accidents caused by defective tires. He understands how hard it is to get back on your feet after suffering a severe injury due to a defect in a tire’s design or manufacturing. The Morrison Law Firm is here to help you through this challenging moment. To set up a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices at (334) 625-6128 today, or contact us online.