Toyota recently issued a recall notice for Toyota Tundras manufactured between 2007 and 2011, due to faulty tire pressure monitoring systems. The faulty systems may cause the warning lamp that indicates under inflated tires to malfunction by not lighting up.
According to Toyota, the recall affects approximately 1,629 Tundras distributed by Southeast Toyota Distributors. Owners of trucks that may be affected are being notified by Toyota, and told to make an appointment with their dealer. The dealer can easily fix the system by recalibrating it.
The dangers of underinflated tires
As we enter the hot summer months, it’s particularly important that we pay attention to ensuring our tires are properly inflated. As temperatures rise tires lose air pressure, and begin to flex more as they travel over the surface of the road. This flex contributes to the worn and uneven tread that can result in tire tread separation and blowouts.
Not only are tire tread separations and blowouts dangerous to the driver and passenger of the vehicle, they are also extremely dangerous to others who share the road. Tire tread separations and blowouts are often the cause of rollovers that result in serious injury. In addition, tires that fly off a car at 70 miles per hour can smash the windshield of another car, or send another car that is trying to avoid the flying tire off the road.
Avoiding the dangers of under inflated tires
According to statistics recently released by the U.S. Department of Transportation, tire-related accidents took the lives of 3,400 people and injured 116,000 between 2005 and 2009.
You can minimize the dangers of under inflated tires by taking the following steps:
• Pay attention to recalls related to tire pressure systems. You can view official auto recalls here.
• Replace old or worn tires.
• Check inflation of tires frequently, especially in hot weather.
Despite taking precautions, sometimes tire or automobile manufacturers are responsible for accidents related to under inflated tires. If you or someone you love has recently been injured in an automobile accident resulting from an under inflated tire, contact a Pennsylvania auto accident attorney for a free, confidential, and comprehensive evaluation.
About the author: This article is courtesy of Console & Hollawell, Attorneys at Law.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Toyota.com.