Tire defects are a concern for drivers throughout the year, but the hot summer months increase the risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a reminder to motorists to check their tires regularly over the summer.
A tire blowout caused a single-vehicle collision July 18 that injured two people on Interstate 82, west of Benton City, according to the Yakima Herald. The two were in a pickup truck when the tire blew, causing the vehicle to go out control and crash into a cable barrier.
Check Pressure Regularly
Vehicle defects cause or contribute to a significant number of collisions each year. Within the broad category of collision-causing defects, tire problems are at the top of the list.
It is important to check and adjust your tire pressure on a regular basis. Air expands and contracts as the outside temperature soars or plummets. When the temperature drops, the air pressure in your vehicle’s tires will also drop. Likewise, when the outside temperature soars, the pressure in your tires can also increase noticeably as the air expands. Low tire pressure makes your vehicle harder to handle and may negatively affect your gas mileage. However, overinflated tires can cause a tire to blow, making it even more important to stay on top of the air pressure in your tires this time of the year.
Experts suggest that you check your tire pressure once a week in the morning before the vehicle has been driven and while the ambient temperature is as low as it will be for the day. In addition, do not use the figure found on the tire itself to determine how much air to add. Look in your owner’s manual or look for a sticker in the door of the vehicle to determine the correct pounds per square inch, or PSI, for your tires.
If you have been injured in a Yakima Valley area car crash, or have lost a loved one as a result of one, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries or your loss. The Yakima Valley injury accident attorneys at Mariano Morales Law can help you get through the legal process and make sure that the party responsible for your injuries or loss is held accountable. Contact the team today by calling (509) 853-2222 or by using our online contact form for your free initial consultation.
Source:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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