Tire Tread Separation Failure and Accidents

Many of us worry about the reliability of our vehicles. Will I get to work safely? Will my engine light come on? Will my brakes fail? Will I experience a tire blowout?

A car is made up of thousands of parts, any of which can malfunction at any time. A tire malfunction can be especially dangerous, especially if you are driving at excessive speeds. An issue that you want to worry about is tire tread separation failure.

Tread separation failures occur when the outer tread of a tire detaches from the underlying casing, often leading to sudden loss of control, rollover crashes, or high-speed blowouts. These failures are especially dangerous on highways, where centrifugal force can cause rapid disintegration once separation begins.

Tread separation is a critical failure of the tire’s construction. It is important to notice it as quickly as possible so that the tire can be replaced as soon as possible. Pushing your luck with a compromised tread can result in unsafe driving conditions. Here is what you need to know.

Common Causes of Tread Separation Failures

Most cases of tread separation involve a combination of heat, stress, and structural weakness within the tire. Manufacturing defects are a leading cause and may include improper bonding between steel belts and rubber compounds during production. Even minor inconsistencies can worsen over time as the tire flexes under normal driving conditions.

Underinflation is another major contributor. When a tire lacks proper air pressure, its sidewalls flex excessively, generating heat that weakens the adhesive bonds holding the tread in place. Similarly, overloading a vehicle beyond the tire’s weight rating increases internal stress and accelerates separation.

Excessive heat exposure from high-speed driving, long highway trips, or hot climates can degrade rubber compounds. Aging tires are also at risk; rubber breaks down chemically over time, even if the tread depth looks acceptable. Many tire manufacturers warn against using tires more than 6-10 years old.

Warning Signs of Impending Tread Separation

Early warning signs are often subtle but should never be ignored. Drivers may notice unusual vibrations, rhythmic thumping sounds, or steering wheel shake that worsens with speed. Uneven tread wear, bald spots, or rapid tread loss can indicate internal belt movement.

Visible indicators include bulges, bubbles, or cracks in the tread or sidewall. Bubbles or bulges on the sidewall indicate internal structural failure.

In some cases, drivers report a sudden pulling sensation or instability during lane changes or curves. When this happens, tread separation may be about to occur.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

We all expect our tires to last a decent amount of time, but a tread separation failure can happen at any time and cause a serious accident.

Tire issues can cause injury accidents. Sometimes people can get killed. When such accidents occur, protect your legal rights with help from a Houston auto accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. Auto accident victims benefit from our experience. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247.

Source:

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