General Motors is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and Terrain SUVs for defective tires that could blow out and cause a crash. According to an article on CNET.com, GM recalls 7,082 of these SUVs because the Hankook tires on these vehicles did not get the correct amount of curative agent. The faulty manufacturing process could cause tire tread separation accidents unless replaced.
When this happens, drivers may lose control of the vehicle, and the risk of a crash greatly increases. Owners who get a recall notice in the mail are urged to take their vehicle back to a GM dealer, where a technician will inspect the tires’ DOT numbers. If they are part of the identified bad batch, the dealer will replace the affected tires at no cost to consumers. GM is planning to begin mailing the notices starting Sept. 20.
What is Tire Tread Separation?
Tire tread separations, often caused by manufacturing defects, occur when the belts under a tire’s tread come apart. When this happens, the tread itself begins to come off the rest of the tire. This can be particularly dangerous when it occurs at freeway speeds.
Many drivers, even those who are experienced, lose control. Vehicles could crash or even roll over, resulting in serious injuries to vehicle occupants. Tire tread separations are more common than people realize. Almost all cases of “tire blowouts” are tread-separation incidents.
Product Liability Issues
If you have been injured in a crash caused by tire tread separation, you may be able to hold the tire manufacturer and the automaker responsible for the injuries, damages, and losses you’ve suffered. The plaintiff must show that the tire was defective to prove such a product liability case.
The risk of tire tread separation is one of the most common reasons for tire recalls in the United States. The danger of tire tread separations first drew national attention in 2000 when NHTSA announced one of the largest tires recalls in U.S. history involving Bridgestone and Firestone tires blowing out and causing deadly rollover accidents. These types of crashes can potentially cause catastrophic injuries or even fatalities.
If you have been injured as the result of a defective tire, it is important that you seek the counsel of an experienced tire defect lawyer who will remain on your side, fight for your rights and make sure that you receive maximum compensation for all your damages and losses.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/chevy-equinox-gmc-terrain-recall-tire-tread-separation/
