A tire blowout can be terrifying to experience on the road. Especially if it happens while you’re traveling quickly. You need to be aware of the common causes of tire blowout as well as how to handle the car if it happens. Tire pressure is one factor that can lead to a blowout. In addition, extreme heat or road damage can be sources of this issue. Finally, overloading your vehicle can put too much strain on your tire. To prevent a tire blowout, check your tires frequently. You also need to know how to handle your car if a blowout occurs. Hopefully, with these tips, you’ll know how to prevent a blowout and survive one if it happens.
Tire Blowout: What Causes It and What to Do If It Happens to You
Low Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is one factor that causes a tire blowout. Under-inflation is usually the cause as the air inside the tire is what holds the weight of the car. If a tire doesn’t have enough air, it can cause too much strain on the interior parts of the tire. Before you drive, you should always visually check your tires. Make sure that none of them appear flat. Most cars have sensors built in that can alert you if any of your tires are low on pressure. If your car doesn’t have this, you’ll need to check them periodically with a pressure gauge.
Extreme Heat or Road Damage
Extremely hot roadways can also cause a tire blowout. This can happen more easily if your tires are under-inflated. If it’s an extremely hot day, it might be better to wait and drive at cooler times of the day rather than when the road is hottest. In addition, tires can blow out because of punctures or potholes. If you see a large pothole in the road, make sure you drive around it if possible.
Too Much Weight
One final cause of tire blowout is overloading your car with too much weight. Even though your truck might hold a massive amount of furniture, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your tires are prepared to handle that much weight. Your vehicle’s weight limit is usually in the car manual. Before you haul anything heavy, make sure that your car can handle the weight.
What To Do
The best way to prevent a tire blowout is to make sure that you’re buying high-quality tires and replacing them when necessary. You should also make sure and visually check your tires periodically, and take your car in for routine professional checks. If you do experience this problem, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. Take your foot off the brake and let your car slow down naturally. Keep your wheel straight and don’t try to turn it one way or the other. When safe and slow, pull over to the side of the road.
A tire blowout is very scary, but it can be prevented with routine tire maintenance and some safety tips. Try to always keep an eye on your tire pressure. In addition, don’t drive on extremely hot roads or overload your car with too much weight. If you do experience a tire blowout, remain calm and keep your wheel straight. Hopefully, you’ll never experience a tire blowout. But if you, do try to remember these tips to get through the experience safely.