Virginia Motorists: Check Your Tires!

Tires are the link between your vehicle and solid ground. Acceleration, braking, and staying the course all depend on the quality and state of your tires. At a speed of 60 mph, your wheels rotate between 17 and 20 times per second (depending on the wheel's diameter), which should make you pause and ponder how your life depends on those four tires.

If your tires are worn out or underinflated, if they are of uneven size or quality, or if the wheels aren't well balanced or aligned, then your safety is seriously at risk. Your vehicle could:

• Take up to twice the normal distance to come to a stop;
• Skid or spin out of control on a wet roadway or in a curve;
• Blow a tire at high speed.

Virginia motorists are at risk for serious auto accidents caused by reckless or distracted drivers every time they are out on the roads. Therefore, there is no need to make things worse by driving around in a vehicle with tires that are not properly maintained and serviced. This is especially true for young motorists who have no experience of car maintenance and might drive cheaper, older cars.

What are the basics of tire maintenance?

• Locate the recommended tire pressure for your car. Check the tire pressure of all tires, and adjust the pressure once a month. Note that a tire can lose pressure after hitting a pothole or a curb, and that all tires lose pressure over time. Do not rely on visual inspection. Instead, use a pressure gauge.
• If you drive a lot, check the tire treads monthly. The depth of the tread is crucial for evacuating water and providing gripping action or traction. Below 1/16th of an inch, tires should be replaced.
• When replacing tires, have it done by a professional tire service station and ask for advice about tire rotation, tire sizes, quality, and types. Ask to have all wheels balanced (to avoid vibration at a higher speed) and aligned (to prevent the vehicle from veering to the right or left).

Your tires are the four pillars of your safety on the road. Make sure you can count on them.

If you or a loved one has suffered in a Virginia car crash, please contact our Warrenton or Culpeper office today. You can discuss your case with one of our skilled, dedicated attorneys to see how we can help you secure fair compensation.