(Photo credit: Ambah/SXC)
The tires on your vehicle could be considered one of the most important parts of your car. They’re the part of the car that’s touching the road and whether they function properly affects your vehicle’s handling, how smooth your ride is and how your brakes work.
Your tires could make a major difference in an emergency situation and if your car tires are defective or the wrong size, this could lead to some dangerous driving situations.
Media outlets regularly report on product recall such as tires, which can be recalled for various reasons.
Michelin recently recalled some of its tires because if they’re handled incorrectly, it could cause a pinhole in the tire’s sidewall that could cause the tire to lose pressure, overheat and fail.
Hercules announced a recall over some of its tire models since the treads on some of their tires could separate, which could lead to losing control over the vehicle.
An infamous tire defect case was brought to light in 2007. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered a massive recall of about half a million, China-made tires in America after a wrongful death lawsuit was filed in New Jersey against a Chinese company Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. The accident allegedly killed two passengers when the tire’s treads peeled away and caused the van to lose control.
Back in 2000, there was also controversy between Ford Motor Co. and Firestone where Firestone tires on Ford Explorer vehicles were responsible for at least 174 deaths and more than 700 injuries in 2000, according to Time magazine. There were hundreds of lawsuits filed against Ford and there was a large recall for both companies.
Meanwhile, if your car’s tires are undersized, it can cause the vehicle to overheat or overload the tire, while if your car’s tires are oversized, it can cause the vehicle to rub against parts of the vehicle. To figure out the appropriate size of tires for your vehicle, you should start by checking the vehicle’s owner manual or contacting the dealership, a tire dealer or the vehicle manufacturer. There’s also information on your tires’ sidewall that can give you information about the current ones you’re using.
Drivers should ensure that they are regularly inspecting their tires since tire- or wheel-related issues are more common in hot weather, according to the OPP.
Manufacturers, distributors, designers and retailers are responsible for ensuring that defective and dangerous products are not sold. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been handling product liability claims for clients throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We understand the impacts injuries can have on your life and know how to help you. Call us at 416-920-4242. Set up a free consultation and come talk with us.
Greg Neinstein
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