What Are the Dangers of Driving on Underinflated Tires?
May 27, 2024
Regular car maintenance is essential for vehicle reliability, safety, and longevity. It also reduces the risk of breakdowns and accidents while preserving resale value.Top of Form While many might not think about vehicle maintenance tasks often, sticking to a regular schedule decreases the chances of getting into serious trouble. Proper tire maintenance should be part of that because driving on underinflated tires poses significant risks to your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Underinflated tires pose numerous risks on the road, affecting vehicle handling and stability. They compromise maneuverability, particularly during sudden stops or sharp turns, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, underinflation can cause tires to overheat, leading to blowouts. Those are particularly dangerous at high speeds.
Underinflated tires can increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel, impacting the environment and your wallet. Uneven tire wear is another consequence, reducing tire longevity and requiring premature, costly replacements.
Properly inflated tires also provide better braking performance, minimizing stopping distance. This reduces the risk of rear-end collisions, which is important to keep in mind.
How Can You Identify Underinflated Tires?
Checking tires is relatively simple and can be done using the following methods:
- Visually inspect the tires for signs of deflation. Underinflated tires may appear flatter than usual and could sag slightly under the vehicle’s weight.
- Use a tire pressure gauge to accurately measure each tire’s air pressure. For the recommended tire pressure levels, refer to your vehicle’s manual or the sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb.
- If your vehicle has a tire pressure monitoring system, pay attention to the warning lights on your dashboard.
How Often Should You Check Tire Pressure?
We recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month before heading out on long journeys. It is also a good idea to monitor tire pressure whenever there are drastic temperature changes, as fluctuations can affect tire pressure levels. If you need help remembering, set a reminder on your phone.
What Happens if Another Driver’s Underinflated Tires Caused My Car Accident?
If another driver’s underinflated tires contributed to your car accident, liability could rest with them due to negligence. Underinflated tires compromise vehicle handling, increasing the risk of accidents. If their negligent maintenance or failure to address the issue caused the accident, they could be held responsible for any resulting damages.
Gathering evidence like witness statements, police reports, and photos of the scene and damaged vehicles is important to support your claim. An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate the tires’ condition, look into the vehicle’s repair and maintenance history, and safeguard your rights.
Contact Our Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton for Legal Guidance After a Motor Vehicle Crash Caused by Underinflated Tires
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact our experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton for a free consultation. Call 800-547-4LAW (4529) or complete our online form.
We have offices in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Lanham, and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.