Most of us share a common experience. We rush through our morning routine and are out the door–headed to work or school or to drop the kids off. But this morning you notice it is surprisingly chilly and run back inside to grab a jacket. About a mile into your drive, your car’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light begins flashing. Oh boy!
The most common time for sudden underinflation is the first unusually cold day of the year. Cold temperatures cause oxygen molecules to shrink, compressing the air in a tire. Conversely, sudden spikes in temperature and heat created by friction during driving can cause the oxygen molecules to expand, expanding air in the tire, and leading to overinflation.
Cars, trucks, and SUVs manufactured in 2007 or later are required to include a TPMS. However, these systems are designed to warn the driver only when a tire is underinflated. As discussed below, underinflation and overinflation are both dangerous and TPMS may not offer full protection. Though affirmative acts on our part (i.e. driving over potholes) contribute to tire failure, mere inaction combined with standard weather changes can be the culprit.
Popular Misconceptions
1. Tires are safe so long as they are not “bald”
You may have heard of the frequently used penny test to assess tread depth. The supposed rule of thumb is that a tire needs to be replaced if you can see the top of Abe Lincoln’s head when a penny is inserted head first into the tread of a tire. This is misleading. A tire may need to be replaced for reasons other than lack of tread. Uneven wear, slow leaks, and weathered rubber may also require tire replacement.
2. Mechanics and tire retailers are 100% accurate
Many cases are filed each year against mechanics and tire shops for negligence. While we hope we can trust mechanics to perform their work competently, actively participate in the evaluation of your tires’ safety. Tire shops will inflate tires to the specifications listed on a tire. However, those specifications do not always take into account the weight of your vehicle, which may require the appropriate level of inflation to be raised or lowered.
3. Expensive tires are safer than cheap tires
Avoid falling into the trap of thinking that just because you purchased high-end tires that you do not need to worry about safety and maintenance. While high-end tires may have additional safety features (such as run flat features), running a high-end tire in non-optimal conditions will eventually lead to failure.
How to Avoid Tire Failure
1. Speak to a knowledgeable professional to ensure you have the proper tires and they are being properly maintained. If you have non-factory tires on your vehicle, specifically ask that professional if the tire specifications need to be adjusted for your particular vehicle.
2. Regularly monitor your tires’ pressure. A weekly check of all four tires will allow you to catch potential issues before a catastrophic failure.
3. Regularly check tire tread for depth and uneven wear.
4. Keep your vehicle properly aligned and the tires properly balanced.
5. Avoid potholes.
6. Do not overload your vehicle. Overloading your vehicle will lead to underinflation and all the potential issues that underinflation brings.
Written by*:
Jennifer Bruning
Approved by Francisco Guerra, IV
WATTS GUERRA LLP
4 Dominion Drive, Bldg 3, Suite 100
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Phone (210) 447-0500
* This information is provided only to supply information and should not be received as legal advice. Legal advice is only given to persons or entities with whom Watts Guerra LLP has established an attorney-client relationship.
© Watts Guerra LLP 2015
