Louisiana Motorists Are Reminded To Check Their Tires

In a recent study on road safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) disclosed that over the 2005-2009 period nearly 3,400 people died and some 116,000 were injured in tire-related car crashes.

The study has shown that maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load limits and inspecting tires for cuts and slashes are the most important things you can do to avoid tire failure, including tread separation, blowouts and flat tires.

Countless serious crashes in Louisiana are caused every year by tire failure, most of which could have been prevented. Checking your tires regularly can also:

• Prevent your vehicle from skidding;
• Increase your fuel mileage;
• Shorten your braking distance;
• Increase the life of your tires.

Tires should be replaced when they start to wear out. You know you should do it if the tread depth is as small as 1/16th of an inch. When you replace your tires, ask the service center:

• To rotate the tires to reduce irregular wear;
• To balance the wheels to avoid vibration of the steering wheel;
• To align the wheels to prevent the vehicle from steering always to the left, or to the right.

Every month at least, you should check your tire pressure. Look the recommended tire pressure up in your manual or on the tire information placard. Go to the nearest gas station to record the pressure of all four tires with a gauge. If the pressure is too high, release air by pressing on the tire valve stem with the edge of your tire gauge. If you need to add pressure, inflate the tire in short batches, each time checking the resulting pressure.

If you have been hurt in a car accident caused by someone else, contact the New Orleans car accident attorneys of the Young Firm for a FREE discussion of your case.