The expert uses a ball and tape to measure the wheel to determine if the wheel used was the correct diameter for the tire that was mounted on it.
The Branick spreader enables the expert to perform a thorough tactile and visual inspection of the outside of the tire and inside the tire cavity.
An examination of the inner liner of the tire shows a large blister that could have been caused by either a manufacturing defect or puncture. The end result is tire failure.
An improper repair of this motorcycle tire caused the tire to begin leaking air again. The resulting low pressure contributed to the accident.
Tires and Wheels
Often the question arises as to whether the tire failed before the accident or as a result of it. Tire failures can be attributed to a variety of causes, including
- Manufacturing defect
- Improper repair
- Incorrect storage
- Installer error
- Prior damage
- Consumer misuse
In the investigation, the tire and wheel should ideally be examined as a unit. The wheel and rim may exhibit scuff marks, scratches, dents or wear marks that provide valuable clues in determining the cause of the failure.
The tire / wheel assembly should also be examined in the context of vehicle and scene evidence. For example, irregular tire marks can indicate that the tire was flat prior to the crash and not as a result of it.
Commercial vehicle tires fail due for the same reasons as those on passenger cars; however, there are additional areas that need to be examined. These include:
- Retreaded tires
- Heat buildup on dual tire assemblies
- Tire sidewalls that touch each other
- Worn out wheels, rims
