How to Deal with a Tire Blowout: The Complete Guide 2023

Tire quality nowadays is so superior that a tire blowout seems like a rare occurrence. Still, it may be a frightening event, especially for inexperienced drivers. Also, because relatively few people know how to cope with them, everyone who receives one may experience increased anxiety. And tire blowouts are still common.

I’ll go through what causes a blowout and what to do if your tire blows out on the road, in town, or while parked.

Since you have landed on this page, I assume you are already familiar with the concept of a tire blowout. To summarise it quickly, a blowout is a quick loss of air pressure in any inflated tire, occasionally followed by the sound of an explosion. They are caused by insufficient air pressure, excessive heat, wear, overloading, or several other conditions. In any event, the key is always a severe strain on the internal structure of a tire.

Let’s look at the reasons for blowouts and how to navigate them.

What Causes a Tire Blowout

No one wants to have a popped tire while driving. Or they are even worse, having to deal with a burst tire on the highway or a crowded street. So why do tires blow out, and how can drivers avoid it?

There can be several reasons that cause a tire to burst. Insufficient air pressure, excessive heat due to wear, and overloading are the most common. Here are some probable reasons for tire blowouts, most of which you can efficiently work on to avoid a tire blowout:

Underinflation

The most common cause of tire blowouts is under-inflated tires.

Some people are frightened to pump their tires for fear of a blowout. In fact, underinflation is the most common reason. Inadequate air pressure causes a tire to droop, bending beyond the form at which it can adequately function to carry the weight of a vehicle. The tire will then overheat, causing the rubber’s connection with the reinforcing layers to soften, weaken, and give.

Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure and ensure that your tires are kept at that level. Most current automobiles include a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) that alerts you when your tire’s air pressure drops. Ignoring warnings or having a faulty TPMS might result in a blowout.

As I said earlier, you can easily avoid it. Check this complete guide on Tire Pressure to deal with the issue of under-inflated tires.

Extreme Heat

While heat does not cause a tire to burst, it is a driving aspect in the fate of many a blown-out tire. Tire blowout season occurs during the summer and usually runs from May to late August.

This is the time of year when many people overweight their automobiles and drive on long, hot highways. Hot temperatures increase the air within the tire, increasing pressure and resulting in a larger percentage of cars stranded on the roadside. It should go without saying that the warmer, more touristic states see a disproportionate number of roadside tire carcasses.

Heavy Load

Most tires have a load index that specifies how much weight a tire can support under normal conditions and proper inflation. Pushing your tires beyond their limitations while underinflated will result in a blowout.

All because you own a tough-looking truck doesn’t mean you can load it up with whatever hefty cargo you like. Excessive loads compress a tire, causing it to overheat. At this stage, we can see the tire’s structure disintegrating. If you have any doubts about your vehicle’s ability to support the weight of a particular trailer, acquire a firm response before going on your journey.

Impact Damage

An apparently benign object, such as the curb of a parking area, can cause severe damage to your tire. Of course, hitting a pothole is horrible. Sinking into a pothole, slamming into a barrier, or slamming into a road danger can all result in a punctured tire.

However, shearing pressure on a tire’s material can be caused by a direct collision. Sure, we’ve all smacked our heads against the edge of a driveway, and nothing has occurred. What usually happens over time is a gradual collapse, a decrease of air pressure little by bit over months or years, until ultimately, you get a burst tire abruptly.

Defects

On rare occasions, tires are manufactured with faults in the design and manufacturing processes. Blowouts may occur at certain tire seams in these instances. Do check the tire properly before making a purchase. If possible, go for the branded models.

Combination

A tire sidewall burst can occur for various causes, contributing to the rapid collapse. All the factors mentioned above may not cause your tire to burst suddenly. But they can culminate to lead to a tire blowout over some time. Thus, I recommend you check your tires periodically for any defects or damage.

What To Do If You Have a Tire Blowout

It may seem odd, but if you unexpectedly lose a tire, the typical suggestion is to short speed. You should not lose control of the car as a result of this.

Most individuals have the instinct to brake forcefully and cut the wheel. Your car will not turn as you expect it to with three tires instead of four. By cutting the wheel, you risk sending yourself into a tailspin.

Pump the gas pedal to maintain your cruising pace. You won’t be able to accelerate correctly since the flat tire will produce a drag on the car. You’ll be able to gather your bearings in the stabilized car and maneuver it to the road’s shoulder while securely decelerating if you maintain a safe pace.

If You Have a Burst Tire While Driving on Public Roads:

This process is similar to highway driving: Likewise, don’t hit the brakes; instead, let the automobile slow down gently by lifting your foot off the accelerator. Grip the steering wheel hard and come to a safe halt while flashing your emergency lights. Set up lights and contact roadside assistance once you’ve come to a complete stop.

The primary difference is that in cities, you will typically be able to locate a safe area to stop. However, keep in mind that being stranded in that position might take several hours, so avoid obstructing driveways or streets.

If Your Tire Bursts, While Parked

If your tire blows out while you’re parked, it’s usually far more convenient and less risky than if you’re driving, but it can still be challenging if you’re parallel parked on a busy road or close to other cars. If a tire blows out, the safest course of action is to replace it. However, if your rupture is on the same side of the road as traffic, you should still seek roadside help.

Whatever occurs, keep in mind that your spare is only a short-term fix; you should not travel for long distances on a spare.

Final Words

Tire blowouts can be a headache, even more so if you don’t know how to deal with one. I hope this article has helped you with the latter. Numerous reasons lead to a tire blowout, some of which you can easily avoid. Checking the recommended tire pressure of your car, rotating the tires regularly, and purchasing tires that can bear the hot weather are some tips that can prevent your tire from popping.