WASHINGTON, June 3 (UPI) -- Tires worn out, under-inflated or too old increase the risk of a serious crash during hot weather, U.S. highway safety officials warned Tuesday.
To reduce that risk, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends motorists have their tires -- including the spare -- checked before taking that vacation or long business trip, said Nicole Nason, association administrator, said in a news release.
"Protecting you and your family should be your top priority," Nason said. "Getting your tires checked will significantly reduce the likelihood of a tire-related crash."
NHTSA research indicate the hot weather-overloaded vehicles combination can add stress to a tire, especially if it isn't properly inflated. Old tires also are subject to greater stress, which increases the likelihood of catastrophic failure, NHTSA said.
While tire condition is important for all vehicles, it's critical for those more prone to flip over when tires fail, Nason said, including sport utility vehicles, pickups or other vehicles with a higher center of gravity.
