Automaker Nissan is recalling over 123,000 Altima sedans (2013 models) over concerns that somespare tires may blow out while in the trunk. Per documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an air pump’s inflation gauge was faulty and was either underinflating or overinflating the tires.
As a result, some of the tires have blown out when the temperature has gotten too hot inside the trunk, causing its already overinflated air pressure to exceed its capabilities. Nissan says the malfunctioning pressure regulator and gage were located at a Mississippi plant.
All vehicles with the potentially affected tires were made over a yearlong timeframe that concluded on March 26 when the faulty equipment was repaired. Nissan is not aware of any injuries or accidents caused by these tire blowouts.
Tire Blowouts
Our tire blowout lawyers would like to remind you that summer is the time
when tire blowouts involving tires that are actually on moving vehicles
are more likely to happen. Ways to minimize the chances of one happening:
• Check the tires’ pressure at least once a month (and before going any big trips). Decreased tire pressure ups the chances of a blowout.
• Make sure that there is no trauma on your tires, such as irregularities or tiny objects, including glass or nails, stuck in/puncturing your tires.
• Replace worn tires.
• Make sure your tires are inspected and maintained by professional on a regular basis and as designated by your vehicle maintenance schedule.
• Make sure that your spare tire is in good shape and properly inflated.
That said, if your tire blowout happened because the tire was defective or poorly made, there may be significant reasons for you to file an auto products liability lawsuit or a tire defect case against the automaker and/the tire manufacturer.
Tire blowouts can cause a motorist to lose control of the auto and may lead to a rollover accident or a collision that can result in traumatic brain injury, head injury, spinal cord injury, internal damage, or death.
It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to make quality tires that are free from defects that can cause tire bead failure, tire sidewall failure, tread separation, and defective tire markings, which can all up the chances of a tire blowout or tire explosion happening.
Tire Bead Failure: The tire’s internal beading can get caught because of manufacture defects and/or a rim size that is not incompatible. A service technician or a mechanic can also cause this tire defect while making tire repairs.
Tire Sidewall Failure: Weakened sidewalls, which can occur if the tire was poorly made, may cause a blowout. While sidewall failure can happen any time, it is most at risk of happening when tires have been re-inflated or not long after inflation. Sidewall problems can also happen if ozone cracking occurs. This involves ozone gas breaking up the rubber’s molecular structure, causing cracks to appear in the sidewalls.
Please contact our tire defect law firm today to find out whether you have grounds for a tire blowout case.
