Defective Tires

Causes of Defective Tires

There are different types of tire defects. Valve stem defects can cause problems. Tread and belt separation has been a major problem; steel-belted radial tires always have the potential to separate because of the difficulty of making rubber adhere to steel. In a tire that has been properly manufactured the likelihood of this happening is low, unless the tire has been subject to extreme heat or excess wear; however, every year thousands of unsuspecting customers buy steel-belted radial tires that are defective and can separate even when new.

In 2000, Firestone recalled 6.5 million tires after the deaths of 271 due to accidents attributed to its tires. The Firestone tires’ tread separated causing the tire to literally fall apart and the driver to lose control of the car. The biggest danger from tread separation is a rollover accident, which can lead to head injuries and spinal cord injuries. In 2007, tires manufactured in China and sold in the U.S. under the brand names, Many other makers such as Westlake, Compass, Telluride and YKS, have had recalls when it was discovered that they posed a tread separation threat.

Valve stem defects can be equally dangerous, if the valve suddenly gives way, causing a blowout. Tire blowouts can easily cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and lead to a devastating accident in which people in other vehicles are injured or killed as well as the people in the vehicle which experienced the blowout.

Valve stem defects can also cause tires to explode when being inflated, injuring or even killing those near by. Multi-rim defects, bead failures, and sidewall failures can also cause a tire to explode while being inflated or mounted. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has tried to get legislation passed which would ban the manufacturing of multi-rim wheels; so far it has only succeeded in getting the use of a safety cage mandated during tire mounting at commercial garages.

Defective Tire Injuries

Defective tire accidents can be fatal. People, who survive a defective tire motor vehicle accident, frequently have brain damage, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries. Brain damage and spinal cord injuries often leave people permanently disabled and unable to earn a living for themselves or their families. Loss of income adds to the financial burden place on an accident victim and their family by medical costs relating to the accident.

Tires which explode while being mounted or inflated often cause head trauma which can lead to brain damage or blindness. An exploding tire can hit a person with deadly force.

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