There are many things that can prevent a car from starting. Anything from a dead batter to simply being out of gas. When all the mechanical elements are aligned and in perfect condition, there is still one item that will stop the car from going anywhere: The tires.
If you have a flat tire, you’re stuck until you replace that tire with your spare.
A spare tire was once standard equipment, but nowadays many car manufacturers don’t include one. The theory is that without a spare, you’ll have better fuel economy. If you do get a flat tire, you can use a repair kit. That is not very practical.
Which is why having a spare is a better option, but it is not meant to be a permanent option.
The Dangerous Link Between Spare Tires and Car Accidents
Most spare tires are designed for low-speed, short-distance use. They are often called donuts and are smaller, sometimes even a different color. You’re only meant to drive from the scene of your flat tire to your mechanic to buy another tire.
Even if your spare is a “full-size” tire, it might have a different tread or wheel type than your other three tires. All of these factors contribute to an increased risk that a spare tire could cause an accident.
There are dangerous links between spare tires and car accidents that you have to consider:
Reduced Control and Handling
Spares tires are generally smaller, narrower, and have less tread. That is especially true with the donut spare. As a result, the road grip on these tires is drastically reduced. There can also be issues with stability and braking power.
All of those factors contribute to the likelihood of skidding and hydroplaning.
Limited Speed and Distance
Most spares are rated for only 50-70 miles of driving distance and for speeds under 50 mph. Exceeding these limits increases the risk of tire failure.
Traction Loss
When a tire’s traction is degraded, it means less traction on wet or slick roads.
System Interference
A spare tire can confuse your car’s ABS and traction control systems. When that happens, it can cause wear on the differential, suspension, and drivetrain.
Tire Degradation
It is common to keep a spare tire in your trunk for years without using it. Over time, the tire can develop dry rot due to age, heat, and lack of use. That degradation can lead to sudden blowouts.
Common Causes of Spare Tire Failure and Blowouts
There are many reasons why a spare tire can fail or blow out. These common causes also apply to your car’s regular tires. This is what you need to be aware of:
Underinflation
The most common cause of a tire failure is underinflation. When that occurs, it causes sidewalls to flex excessively. That leads to excessive heat, which can break down the rubber and the tire’s internal structure.
Road Hazards
Not only do you need to pay attention to the cars around you as you drive, but you also have to pay attention to the actual road ahead. Hazards such as potholes, sharp objects, or debris can puncture a tire, leading to rapid deflation.
Worn or Old Tires
The longer a tire is in use, the more its tread depth will reduce. With a strong tread, the tire’s grip loosens, making it vulnerable to punctures. A tire with aged rubber also becomes brittle and prone to failure.
Overloading
Every vehicle has a recommended weight capacity. If you overload the car, it can stress the tires beyond their limits. That increases the risk of failure.
Excessive Speed
Driving at higher speeds, especially in hot weather, can increase a tire’s internal temperature. That contributes to stress and accelerates the risk of failure.
Manufacturing Defects
There have been many tire recalls due to faulty bonding or other construction defects that can cause sudden failure. That can happen in new tires as well.
Poor Maintenance
Along with the other systems in your car, your tires need to be properly maintained. That means you need to check tire pressure, rotate the tires, and conduct regular tread inspections.
Determining Liability After a Spare Tire Accident
There are many possible accident scenarios in which a spare tire can be a factor. That accident can either be directly attributed to you or to another driver who misused the spare.
If your tire fails, it could be due to a design flaw or a manufacturer’s defect. In that situation, you can hold the tire’s manufacturer liable for the accident and any subsequent damages. After you rotate or replace your tires, they might have been improperly installed by a mechanic. In that case, the mechanic could be responsible for the accident.
You must determine liability with the help of an experienced Louisville car accident lawyer, as you’ll find at McCoy & Hiestand, PLC. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who should be held accountable for your accident.
How a Louisville Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
The first steps to take after a car accident are to check for injuries and assess damage. Once you’ve made a report with the police and cleared the scene, your next step should be to talk with a Louisville personal injury lawyer.
The attorneys at McCoy & Hiestand, PLC have the experience and knowledge to help you decide what should happen next.
When starting a personal injury claims process, it is important to get it right the first time. That means identifying who is responsible and if you should file the claim with their insurance company. If we agree to work with you, we’ll become your advocate and handle all negotiations with the insurance company.
Our goal remains to help our clients obtain the maximum compensation they are entitled to. We want to help you get your life back on track as quickly as possible. Call to set up a free consultation to talk about what happened.
