Philadelphia Injury Attorney Blog

The experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorneys of Reiff & Bily call your attention to a fact that all too often goes unnoticed by all too many motorcycle riders. Motorcycle tires, like any other tire, deteriorates over time. Environmental factors such as heat, ultraviolet light, oxygen and other factors cause tires to harden as they get older. Many times cracks develop. Older and harder tires also may not conform to the road as well as a newer, softer tire and this affects the traction or grip creating a dangerous situation particularly on slick or wet highways.

A condition known as dry rot in the tires generally occurs with older tires and bikes that have been left outdoors in the elements and not used or covered during extended periods of storage. Though motorcycle tires are relatively expensive, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that they are the most critically important element to safety on a motorcycle. As motorcycle season gets into full swing, it is important to have your tires examined or inspected by a qualified mechanic or expert. It is also important to perform your own self inspection regarding the tread. If your tread is less than one milimeter deep, the tires should be replaced. If your tire is bald or has minimal tread, there is a good chance that trouble lies ahead when you are operating on a slick highway or executing a turn or accident avoidance maneuver. It is also important that the tires of your motorcycle be properly inflated and not overloaded as it increases the risk of tire failure which most likely will result in serious and catastrophic personal injury or fatality, not to mention property damage. Many times a tire failure is noticeable to the rider of the motorcycle by a vibration, bump or irregular wear. If you find yourself driving on a motorcycle that has a blowout or sudden tire failure, experts recommend that you slowly decrease the amount of throttle, hold the handlebars firm and steer to maintain your lane position. Gently apply your brakes and pull over to a spot where you can safely stop the motorcycle. It is always important to follow the tire manufacturer and motorcycle manufacturer’s recommended air pressure and maintenance and inspection schedule for both motorcycle tires. As an experienced motorcycle rider, I check my pressure before every motorcycle ride.