Whether it is a lengthy vacation or simply more time spent out of the house in the summer, individuals find themselves drving to and from destinations more than they might during the winter. Unfortunately, the extreme Pennsylvania heat can damage critical car components. As a result, seeing the shredded remains of tire rubber littering a popular highway seems to go hand-in-hand with driving during the summer months.
As the summer continues to heat up, the weather takes a greater toll on a vehicle’s tires. Many organizations refer to the summer months as “blowout season.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that around 11,000 vehicle crashes occur each year that can be attributed to tire issues. In most scenarios, a tire blowout is the direct result of underinflation.
Here are three common tips that drivers can use to avoid tire blowouts and catastrophic vehicle accidents:
- Use the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pounds per square inch (PSI) when inflating your tires rather than anecdotal information. This can generally be found in the vehicle manual or on the information sticker on the driver’s doorjamb.
- Use a reliable tire gauge to check the air pressure rather than a visual check.
- Check the tire pressure at regular intervals rather than relying on your vehicle’s pressure warning sensor.
A tire blowout can lead to a driver’s loss of control, vehicle collisions and vehicle rollovers. Additionally, blowouts can leave debris on the road forcing other vehicles to swerve to avoid a collision. Motor vehicle collisions can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis or amputation. Severe collisions can result in fatalities for vehicle occupants.