Hot Weather Leads To Hotter Tires, Makes Blowouts More Likely

Authorities have said that a tire blowout likely caused a double-decker Megabus to crash into an overpass in Litchfield, Illinois, on August 2, 2012. One person was killed and more than 30 other people were injured, but that accident was one of many around the country that have been caused throughout the country this summer during record heat. Some experts have also attributed the unseasonably warm winter weather as playing a role in the spate of tire blowouts occurring throughout the United States.

The above video provides some valuable advice for how motorists can try to control their vehicles in the event of a tire blowout. One of the best ways people can reduce the risk of tire blowouts is to make sure that their tires are maintained properly. While we are not able to control the high temperatures that cause pavement on highways to exceed 150 degrees, motorists can help get better performance from their tires by doing two things:

1. Buy a good tire gauge — These are available in many auto parts stores, and Consumer Reports also recommends buying a portable compressor that works off of your car’s power outlet.
2. Check the inflation pressure every month — Consumer Reports says tires typically lose up to 1 pound per square inch (psi) every month, and the pressure also drops about 1 psi for every 10-degree drop in temperature. You should inflate tires to the recommended setting outlined on the tire information placard, usually found in the vehicle owners’ manual or on the driver’s door jamb.

Underinflated tires generate more heat and also wear out faster. Owners of commercial vehicles like buses and tractor trailers are required to maintain their vehicles properly, and these companies can be held liable for damages if failure to maintain caused an accident.

You can learn more about trucking accidents on our website, and our firm may be able to help if you or a loved one has sustained serious injuries in an accident caused by a tire blowout. Use the form on this page or contact our firm at (513) 232-2000 to schedule a free consultation.