Tire Blowouts and Car Accidents Expected during Hot Weather Streak

We are still in the middle of summer where temperatures seem to be triple-digits more often than not. The weather forecast for today and tomorrow in Phoenix calls for highs around 113 degrees Fahrenheit which seems warm but almost normal this time of year. If you have lived in Arizona for any length of time, odds are that you understand how to cope with the oppressive heat you experience and that you know summer is something that just needs to be survived until fall arrives. However, while people think about the safety of themselves, their children, and the need to be in air conditioning, they give less consideration to the effect that extremely hot temperatures can play on their vehicles and on their ability to drive safely.

One of the biggest driving-related risks that arise as temperatures climb is the risk for a tire blowout or tire failure. As temperatures tend to increase, the air pressure inside of a tire increases in response, leading the air to expand and the tire to inflate. This increased pressure and inflation can lead to greater friction between a tire and the road surface it encounters and the friction, especially when combined with increased speeds, can cause a tire to blow with little or no warning.

Improperly inflated tires will experience a greater amount of stress as they are used which causes the components of the tires to bend and flex. If those components bend or flex to a greater degree than the tire is intended to withstand, that tire is likely to fail.

Motorists who consider their tires should also realize that the air temperature is just one important factor that goes into the stress experienced by Arizona wheels in the summertime. The temperature of the pavement or road’s surface also makes a great difference as do the speeds at which the car will travel. Higher road temperatures and greater speeds make a tire failure more likely, as does a heavily loaded vehicle or a vehicle that has not had routine maintenance performed on it.

Make sure you understand the types of actions that can lead to a tire failure and do your best to avoid one before it ever happens. Check your tire pressure every three weeks and add air to your tires when necessary. Have your tires rotated and inspected by a professional on a regular basis and know that tires will not last forever. Once your tires have worn to a certain point or if they reach a certain age, they should be replaced and new tires should be put on your car.

Also note that if you drive in varying landscapes, including in northern Arizona during the winter months, you may want to discuss your driving habits with a tire expert so that you can use the tires that are most optimally suited to your conduct.

Tire blowouts and related car accidents can happen at any time and can cause a significant amount of damage. When these incidents happen in Maricopa County, victims who are injured should realize that they may be entitled to financial compensation for the damages they experience and for any hardships they endure.

Prior Blog Entry:

Back to School Safety Tips for Kids who W

alk or Ride a Bus, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published July 25, 2016.