Signs of Defective Tires

Reading a Tire’s DOT Number

There are several ways to identify if your tires are defective and need to be replaced. If the tires on your car are more than six years old, they are at risk of dangerous failure. How can you determine the age of your tires? Refer to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number on the tire’s sidewall to determine the tire’s date of manufacture. The last four digits will tell you the week, and year the tires were manufactured. For example, if a tire’s DOT number is DOT U2BB NMLR 5107, the last four digits reveal that the tire was made in the 51st week of the year 2007.

The “Penny Test” for Irregular Tread Wear

It is also advisable that you keep an eye out for signs of de-treading, tire shredding, and de-beading. As tires age, their rubber degrades, becomes brittle, and can lead to catastrophic tread separation. A tire’s inability to stay together while being operated on a vehicle can lead to accidents related to tire de-treads, blowouts, and explosions.

Besides regular tire maintenance, tire rotation, and maintaining proper tire inflation levels, you must also check for irregular tread wear. One simple of way of doing this is through the “penny test.” Take a penny between your fingers with Lincoln’s body pointing down and insert the penny headfirst into various grooves in the tire’s tread. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible after insertion, your tires need to be replaced.

How Our Tire Defect Attorneys Can Help You Pursue Justice

As an American consumer, you expect to buy a product that will effectively carry out its intended purpose in a safe manner. More often than not, defective tires are the direct result of a manufacturing company’s desire to increase profits. At The Ammons Law Firm, we have been holding these negligent companies responsible for the injuries sustained by victims for more than 20 years. Tire defect litigation is a very specific law practice that can be challenging, but our law firm has obtained numerous successful results for our clients.

Learn about your rights as an injured victim or consumer by discussing your case with our tire defect attorneys. We can explain the claims-filing process to you, as well as your many legal options, during a free case evaluation.