Tire blowouts are usually the result of under inflation, which creates extra friction More friction brings excessive heat to your tire, and over time, that heat weakens the internal tire structure. When your tire suddenly blows, it’s often when you’re traveling at high speeds with a heavy load, putting even more heat on the weakened tire.
What increases my chance of a blowout?
- Driving with under inflated tires
- Overloading your vehicle with too much weight
- Road hazards (hitting something sharp or heavy on the road)
Tire blowouts were far more common in the past. These days, we have stronger tire compound and advanced tire engineering, so when a tire does blow, we’re somewhat out of practice.
The worst thing you can do in a blowout is to panic. Don’t take your foot off the gas, don’t turn your car toward the side of the road, and never slam on your brakes That might be exactly what your reflexes tell you to do, but it’s also the best way to lose control of your car.
How should I drive through a tire blowout?
- Press down on the gas pedal and continue to drive straight.
- Keep your steering wheel straight – no sudden turns!
- After a few seconds, when your forward direction is stabilized, slowly lift your foot from the gas pedal, but still do not touch your brakes.
- As your car slows down, steer slowly, gently, toward the side of the road.
- Coast to a stop If you have to hit your brakes, do so very carefully.
Please remember to check your tire pressure once each month.
