A common misconception regarding vehicle tires is that as long as the tires fit on the truck or car, they are suitable. However, that myth could not be further from the truth, and falling for it could lead drivers into accidents. Read on and learn why too short, too thin, or too tall of a tire can lead to major problems, and who is liable if you’re in a vehicle with wrong size tires.
Can the Wrong Size Tire be Dangerous?
In a word, yes! The wrong size tire can absolutely be dangerous. Vehicles are designed and then tested for safety and longevity based on specific tire dimensions. Using tires that are too tall or too thin undermine all of the research and development that goes into creating a safe car.
Often, car owners are tempted into tires that are the wrong size simply because they want to cut expenses or outfit their vehicle with an aesthetically pleasing tire size. While you might think that installing too tall of a tire looks good, it is not worth risking the vehicle’s safety, your security or the wellbeing of your passengers.
Effects of Wrong Size Tires
Choosing too tall of a tire can result in a vehicle prone to rolling over, a dangerous concern for any driver. Tall tires may also rub against the inside of the wheel well. While not immediately problematic, this rubbing can lead to steering issues over time. Tires too tall for the vehicle might even raise the bumper, a barely noticeable shift that nonetheless could have a huge impact on safety if the car is hit from behind in an accident.
Tire width can also be problematic if your vehicle is sized with the wrong type. Tires that are too thin might not be able to hold the weight of the vehicle. In rain, snow or ice, the wrong tire thickness is particularly noticeable and may cause control issues in an already challenging driving situation.
Stability, Steering, Braking, Rollover Prone
Drivers might be most worried about tire defects, but even new tires in the wrong size can cause control issues that may potentially lead to accidents. Being prone to rollovers, for example, may turn a minor fender bender into a fatal accident. The right size tires can prevent that lack of stability. When braking with tires of the wrong thickness, your car could halt suddenly or even too slowly, both of which can cause an accident.
When an accident happens up ahead or an animal crosses the road, the steering on your vehicle has to work. With the wrong size tires, even a small problem with steering could cost you your life.
Vehicle Designed and Tested for a Certain Tire Size
When you pick out a new car, you’ll almost certainly pay attention to the safety rating. But if you choose a safe car and install underrated tires, you are doing yourself a serious disservice.
Car manufacturers go to great lengths to create secure vehicles, but they don’t test cars with tires of the wrong size. To take advantage of a car’s safety features, make sure you have tires installed in the correct size.
If you were in an accident that could have resulted because of tires in the wrong size, the seller could be liable. Selling vehicles with incorrect tire sizes is a form of negligence that puts your safety and your life at risk.
Tire Failure Lawyer
The Willis Law Firm stands ready to assist you and your family in investigating a tire failure injury or accident due to putting the wrong sized tires on your vehicle. For over 30 years, David P. Willis has been helping victims of serious accidents and rollovers involving defective tires and vehicles. In fact, Willis was awarded the prestigious Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award for his work in uncovering the Firestone tire defect, which led to the recall of millions of tires. One phone call is all that is needed for the Willis Law Firm to begin investigating a new tire failure case. Upon acceptance, we’ll begin preserving the evidence, gathering additional facts and building your case. To schedule a free consultation, fill out our online tire failure lawsuit form or call us at 1-800-883-9858.