Tire blowouts can be a terrifying experience while driving — they cause sudden loss of air pressure in the tires, loss of control of the vehicle, and, especially at high speeds, can be extremely alarming and potentially lead to accidents. While tire blowouts can happen unexpectedly, there are certain steps drivers can take to minimize the risk of experiencing one.
In this article, we’ll discuss the common causes of tire blowouts, the signs that your tires may be at risk, and some essential tips to help you avoid tire blowouts and ensure your safety on the road.
What Causes Tire Blowouts?
Regular tire maintenance and safe driving practices can help prevent tire blowouts; all you need to know is what to look for. Tire blowouts can be caused by various factors, such as worn-out or underinflated tires, overloading the vehicle beyond its capacity, hitting potholes or debris on the road, or even just driving at high speeds for extended periods.
Exposure to extreme temperatures or prolonged exposure to sunlight can also weaken the tire's structural integrity, making it more susceptible to a blowout. Not only will this cause a loud boom that can affect a driver’s ability to stay calm, but it can cause deadly car accidents.
How Common Are Tire Blowouts?
Tire blowouts are a relatively common occurrence and, unfortunately, can happen to any driver. According to one study, 44.9 percent of adult drivers have experienced a blowout, which makes it an extremely common incident on the road.
Especially in areas of the country where the weather can be a bit harsher, leading to more brittle tires and hazardous road conditions, drivers need to be aware of their car’s tires.
How Can You Avoid Tire Blowouts?
While tire blowouts happen pretty unexpectedly, taking certain precautions can help minimize the risk of experiencing one. From regular tire inspections to safe driving practices, these tips can help keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
1. Transport Your Car During Long Moves
Using a transportation service instead of driving your car for a relocation can help avoid blowouts on the road for several reasons. First, driving long distances can put significant and unnecessary wear and tear on your tires, pushing up the risk of a blowout.
Second, road hazards such as potholes and debris can be much more of a nuisance on long-distance trips, particularly on roads and highways in between cities that aren't maintained as often, further increasing the risk of tire damage. Using a transportation service can get your car safely loaded onto a trailer and transported to its destination without the added wear and tear of a long-distance drive.
Having your car transported instead of driving reduces the risk of tire blowouts and ensures your vehicle arrives at its destination safely.
2. Check Tire Pressure Often
Regularly checking your tire pressure is essential to avoiding tire blowouts. Underinflated tires are one of the leading causes of blowouts. They can generate excessive heat because they flex more than properly inflated tires, causing increased friction between the tire and the road.
This friction produces heat, which can cause the tire to degrade faster and increase the risk of a blowout. Overinflated tires can also increase the risk of a blowout by reducing the tire's contact with the road and causing it to wear out unevenly.
By maintaining the correct tire pressure, you can not only avoid blowouts but also improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency and extend the life of your tires. By keeping a small tire pressure gauge in your glove box, it’s easy to check your tire pressure at least once a month.
3. Replace Old Tires
Replacing worn-out tires is crucial to avoiding tire blowouts. As tires age, their rubber can degrade and weaken, and this uneven tread wear can increase the risk of a blowout. It is generally recommended to replace tires every six to 10 years or when they have worn out to a depth of 2/32 of an inch.
Regularly checking your tire tread depth can help you determine when to replace your tires. You can do this easily using the penny test by inserting a penny into the tire's tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tires are worn out and need to be replaced.
4. Avoid Road Hazards
Avoiding road hazards is essential to prevent tire blowouts. Potholes, sharp objects like nails or glass, and large pieces of debris on the road can cause punctures or cuts in your tires, leading to a blowout.
Sometimes you may not even notice a puncture as the air leak can be so slow you think it’s just the tire getting a bit old. However, if you find yourself refilling your air more than once in a week or two, it’s likely time to get checked out. Driving on uneven or rough roads can also cause excessive stress on your tires, increasing the risk of a blowout.
Keeping an eye out for these road conditions and driving cautiously can help you avoid potential hazards.
What Are the Dangers of Tire Blowouts?
Tire blowouts are a significant safety concern and can lead to dangerous accidents. When a tire blows out, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, potentially leading to a crash.
The sudden loss of tire pressure can also cause the vehicle to veer into other lanes, resulting in collisions with other vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire-related issues are responsible for around 664 deaths every year in the US.
Safety is always a priority, and especially when you’re behind the wheel of a car, it’s critical to do as much as possible to avoid blowouts for the safety of yourself, your passengers, and the drivers around you.
What To Do If You Have a Tire Blowout?
Experiencing a tire blowout can be a frightening experience, but there are steps to remember if you find yourself suddenly trying to control your car. If you experience a blowout, try to remain calm and keep your hands firmly in control of your steering wheel.
Do not brake suddenly or jerk the steering wheel, as this can cause your car to lose control further. Instead, ease off the gas, let your vehicle naturally slow down, and gently steer your vehicle to a safe location, such as the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights immediately and call for roadside assistance if available.
Remember that the safety of yourself and your passengers is more important than the car itself!
How Carvaygo Can Help
Carvaygo can help drivers avoid tire blowouts by providing a safe and reliable way to transport their vehicles. We offer open, covered, and expedited services for your vehicle, making it easy for drivers to choose the option that best suits their needs.
With a focus on customer satisfaction and safety, we want to make sure your car is taken care of, no matter where it’s going. Our user-friendly platform makes it easy for customers to get quotes and book transportation services online.
The Bottom Line
A blown tire can be a dangerous and costly issue for drivers. However, by taking some simple precautions and following the tips discussed in this article, you can reduce the risk of a blowout and stay safe on the road. Regularly checking your tire pressure, replacing worn-out tires, avoiding road hazards, and using transportation services like Carvaygo are just a few ways to prevent tire blowouts.
Remember, safety should always be a top priority when driving. By staying alert and informed, you can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.
Sources:
Equipment: Tires | NHTSA
How Long Should A New Sit of Tires Last | Car and Driver
Tire Blowout Statistics | U Tires
