Is your rig in need of tire maintenance? Remember, underinflated tires are the number one cause of a tire blowout. This can cause injury to motorists in many ways: The truck driver could lose control of the truck and cause an accident. If the tread is deeper on one side of the tire than the other, or if there are patches where the tread is noticeably lower, it might be time for a tire rotation or alignment. Why Do I Keep Getting Flat Tires On My Car? When your speed drops below 30 mph, it is important to handle the situation with caution. How Much Difference In Tire Size Is Acceptable? The sidewalls are a lot thinner than the section of tread that hits the road. However, this can vary depending on the specific tires that are being used. Do I Need To Replace TPMS When Replacing Tires? Low air pressure causes the air to blast or blow out vulnerable areas. Lets start with the flat tire, our all-too-familiar nemesis. The tire pressure monitoring system in your dashboard usually flags when the air pressure of your tires is low, but you should make sure to check yourself for small punctures or worn tire tread. Replacing One Tire With A Different Brand. Do I Need An Alignment After Replacing Tires? Tire blowouts are often sudden and unexpected, leaving a driver scrambling to compensate for the lost control. A tire sidewall damage is exactly what it sounds like; damage to the tires sidewall, meaning the damage is on the side of the tire and not the tire tread. Heres the damage it might leave in its wake: Driving on the highway is like being in the fast lane, literally. Road conditions can either heighten an already poor tire condition or be the spark that sets a tire blowout into motion. Usually it will be because of sharp objects that you hit with the sidewall of the tire by accident. Today, well teach you about tire blowouts. A VSC is a contract between you and a VSC provider or administrator that states what is a covered repair and what is not. This is bad enough on its own but combined with uneven, As with all car parts, the older they are, the more likely theyll experience part failureand tires are no exception. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) Supraventricular Tachycardia. What Causes Tire Blowouts 6 Main Reasons - Cash Cars Buyer Do Tires Need To Be Balanced When Rotated? This means that they're full of pressurized air to give you a comfortable ride and strong performance. Despite the surprise, try to keep a firm grip on your steering wheel. A pothole can cause defects to your tire that arent immediately noticeable. A rule of thumb for determining how much tire sidewall damage is too much is that if you can see the threads in the damage, it is definitely time to replace the tire. 19 Tire Blowout Statistics + Safety Tips - Utires.com Drive in the correct lane, thenpull over whenever its safe. In the world of tires, not all problems are created equal. Road Damage The road is a dangerous place. Its a powerful force that can cause real damage to your car or truck. 3 The rear end housing could be damaged or bent causing a high negative camber . The primary cause for a blowout is encountering an object that cuts or tears the structural components of the tire to the point where the structure is incapable of containing the compressed air, with the escaping air adding to further tear through the tire structure. ASE Certified mechanic and Endurance expert, Keith Benline, feels that too many people underestimate the importance of driving with good quality tires: When driving on the road at high speeds, your tires are what keep you safe and stabilized. In this article, we are going to discuss each cause one by one. A damaged tire sidewall that reaches the threads should never be repaired because it damages the tires whole structure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you do so, the wheels will lock up and the car will get out of control. Thats not the right way. Is it safe to drive on a tire with sidewall damage? How Common Are Tire Blowouts? Doing so is probably going to lead to an accident. But to make sure you can claim the damage caused by blowout tires, you need to thoroughly go through the insurance policy. Do Not Hit The Brakes. Hearing your tire blow can be a shocking and frightening ordeal. Regularly checking your air pressure, not overloading your vehicle, rotating your tires regularly, keeping an eye on tire wear, and inspecting your tires for damage can go a long way in preventing a blowout. Your car may jerk to one side or push you toward the side where your tire blew. The best approach to preventing tire blowouts is to avoid factors that can contribute to them. Remember, the goal is to get off the road as safely and smoothly as possible. Video Reference Guide Introduction Weakened, damaged or worn tires can result in a tire blowing out on the school bus. Every time you drive, the same parts of the tread are subjected to intense friction, which causes them to quickly become very thin and greatly increases the likelihood of a blowout. If you hit a regular balloon with a knife, it will quickly pop. Learn more about us below.About Us. Is It Safe to Drive on a Tire With a Bubble? Although flat tires are a pain, theyre usually not as dangerous as a blowout, especially if they deflate slowly. Now that you know what causes a tire blowout, you can identify one when it happens. Whats The Difference Between Rims Vs Wheels? Dangerous? However, if the scratch or damage is this shallow, there is no point in gluing it either, so I would say that you should never repair tire sidewall damage. By definition, a tire blowout is the sudden failure of a tire, but like any breakdown issue, it can happen for a number of different reasons. Now imagine youre driving, and suddenly, BANG! Common types of damage associated with these forces are shoulder separation and lower sidewall compression break. It is important to keep the vehicle steering straight and avoid turning the steering wheel. During an accident, debris from the delaminated tire can strike a motorist. If you canand have enough room, change the tire. Its like a sudden pop followed by a flat tire, but much, much scarier. If you can, get as far away from traffic as possible. What you want to do instead is to keep your hands on the wheel and maintain control. If you are unable to fix a flat tire and replace it with a spare, it is advisable to seek assistance from professionals or experts. Under-inflation is not the only factor, which is responsible for blowout, multiple other factors may cause a blowout, such as hitting a pothole. Can I Customize an Extended Car Warranty to Fit My Needs? You also agree to the Endurance Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. We suggest considering a replacement every six years, regardless of the tread health. The sides of the tire are a lot thinner than the tread and wear away much more quickly. So what constitutes as an under inflated tire? This is usually done after six years, but it could be more based on how frequently you drive. Yet, a blowout occurs mostly for the exact opposite reason. Nearly all causes of tire blowouts can be traced back to poor tire condition and if it was properly inflated. Your car lurches, you lose control for a moment, and you see bits of tire flying. #1 - Causes of Tire Failure: Under-inflation. Do not slam on the brakes. Consequently, the tire may become too hot and blow out. Add the hot road into the mix, and boom youve got a blowout in the making.Tire Information Sticker In Drivers Door Jamb. Do not apply the brake. When a tire blows out, it doesnt go quietly. When the tire pressure is low compared to the recommended tire pressure, the tire sags. Scary, right? No matter what, always prioritize your safety and the safety of other drivers. The best providers will cover the cost of regular tire rotation and may even repair/replace tires when necessary. We just reviewed some causes of tire blowouts and what you can do to avoid these big problems. Overload When you drive an overloaded vehicle, the tires can overheat and explode. Chapter 12 Drivers ED Flashcards | Quizlet Your tires are the only part of your car in contact with the road - unless you have an ultra-lowered car that scrapes while you drive, but that's another problem altogether. It also means that unnecessary stress is being added to one or two of your tires. Now, lets tackle the blowout, the more dramatic cousin of the flat tire. Never overload your vehicle to a weight limit not advised by the manufacturer. To determine the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, you can check the door jamb on the drivers or passengers side, or refer to your owners manual. Have you ever driven on the road and seen a flattened strip of rubber on the shoulder? Maintenance tips, how-to guides, comparisons, vehicle diagnostics, and much more! Pry off the wheel cover with the chisel end of the lug wrench. Request a tire inspection and/or alignment check if you havent gotten one already.. Its simple to run over a nail or ascrewwithout realizing it, though as air escapes from the area around it, the tire will begin to lose pressure. Tire Rack, What to do if you have a tire blowout Allstate. Regularly inspect your tires for uneven wear patterns. Can You Replace a Tire Valve Stem Without Removing the Tire? Factors such as potholes, hot temperature, road debris and high speeds all contribute to potential catalysts. In many cases, the damage affects the whole structure of the tire, and it can cause it to blow at any moment. All Rights Reserved. In California Endurance sells Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) underwritten by Security National Insurance Company and administered through Endurance Warranty Insurance Services, CA License #6009544. For more information on how long you can drive on a spare tire and its limitations, you can read our blog post: How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire? Pull over and have it checked out by a professional immediately. Read on to find out. There are flat tires, and then there are blowouts. no-obligation quote. Do I Have To Get New Tires With New Rims? If you notice tire damage, immediately replace the tire. Its all about staying calm, taking control, and acting safely. Tire blowouts have been a concern since the dawn of the motoring age. Any time your tire pressure light warns you, get the tire checked by an expert technician. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Vs Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Difference Between All-Wheel Drive And 4-Wheel Drive, How do you drive through a tire blowout? If you dont regularly rotate your tires, uneven wear is inevitable. Tires have a recommended air pressure that should be maintained. Copyright 2023 TireGrades | All Rights Reserved. Keith Benline suggests a quick check every time you stop for gas: Turn your steering wheel all the way to the left, then check to see the entire tread of your tire. More importantly, well tell you what the common causes are for a tire blowout and what you can do to prevent this driving nightmare. Can You Add Air To Nitrogen-Filled Tires? A tire blowout occurs when a tire suddenly bursts, resulting in an immediate and significant loss of tire pressure. Just like a nail in the tire, these defects get worse over time and can lead to a sudden blowout down the line. Now, you can change your tire if you how to do that or call a mechanic that could help or you can tow the car to the nearest repairing facility. Its the number one cause of blowouts. 5 Symptoms Of Unbalanced Tires and Tire Balancing Cost. All Rights Reserved. Tips for Handling a Tire Blowout | Travelers Insurance Weve discovered that the number one cause of blowouts is underinflated tires. Then, its time to call for help. One such type of damage is sidewall wear or damage. What Causes A Tire Blowout? (While Driving) | TireGrades No one likes to think about it, but knowing what to do if your tire blows out could be a lifesaver. Under-Inflation. So, if your cars tires are worn out and their tread depth has significantly reduced, you should replace them without any delay. 2023 - Pierre Paul Driving School. What Causes A Tire Blowout? [7 Reasons] - Autosphile Keep in mind, this isnt a complete list of what might cause a blowout, just some of the more common causes. However, all of them have one thing in common: they ruin the tire's lifespan. Copyright @ 2023 Motor Hills. Maintenance checkups should include an inspection of the condition of all 18 tires. When youre talking about tires, you need to know that rubber doesnt last forever. , bringing with it a host of amazing everyday driver benefits. You may begin to notice the steel belt cords showing through the rubber, and as Keith Benline points out: Once the steel cord is showing through, youre 50% more likely to experience a blowout at any time on the road., , but every vehicle has a limit to the amount of weight it can safely bear. Firmly grip the steering wheel with both hands and avoid making sharp turns or steering maneuvers. 2. Avoid overloading your vehicle with a weight that exceeds the tire rating or vehicle capacity, and make sure to regularly rotate your tires. Are All-Terrain Tires Good In Rain Or Snow? How Fast Will Tires Wear With Bad Alignment? He is now the owner of and main contributor to TireGrades.com. A highway is a dangerous place. The sidewalls of the tires are much more sensitive than the tread area. Tires that go POW in the day. These blowouts can be caused by a number of reasons, including the following: Road hazards Improper tire inflation pressure maintenance Trailer overloading Mismatched tires Failing steel belts in tires Many of these causes can result from the negligence of trucking companies and the way they maintain their vehicles. In this post, Ill take you through the common causes of a tire blowout, how to prevent it and how to deal with a blowout in case it occurs. In this article, we'll delve deep into the world of tire blowouts. Breakdown protection works to cover both parts and labor for any car repairs and issues, especially during tire blowout season. A tire blowout is probably the worst thing that can happen to your tire. Blown Out Tire. Underinflating or overinflating a tire will increase shear forces rapidly shortening the life of an aircraft tire. Your vehicle rides on pneumatic tires. A blowout will feel like a big jolt, and there might be a loud bang. Since the sides of tires are thinner compared to the edges when the pressure is low, the tires shape distorts and it cannot withstand the vehicles load properly. And once the whole air seeps through the tire, it blows out. Gradually release the accelerator to gradually slow down your car. Steering Wheel Vibration After Tire Rotation. This has the dual effect of both saving you money and keeping you safe on the roadtwo great benefits that are well worth the effort every few months. If the tire pressure is often dropping, that means your tire has a puncture, or sometimes there is a leakage in the tires nozzle. Do not pull the wheel to one side or the other. A brand-. Simply fill out the information below and we will follow up fast with your free By clicking the button, you consent to Endurance using automated technology to call, email, and text you using the contact info above, including your wireless number, if provided, regarding auto protection or, in California, mechanical breakdown insurance. The most common tyre blowout causes are: Under Inflated Tyre An under-inflated tyre will bulge out under your car's weight, causing it to bounce up and down when driven at speed. A pothole can wreak havoc in your tires in two different ways: Either it immediately blows out your tire due to a sharp edge and puncture, or it plays the long game. Misaligned tires or a worn vehicle suspension can result in uneven wear on the surface of the tires. If youre not sure, err on the side of caution and avoid overloading your car. How Do You Know When You Need An Alignment? Please try again. Low tire pressure, overloaded vehicles, overheating, impact damage, and occasionally manufacturers defects can lead to a tire explosion. Just make sure to check your terms before you sign up, as many providers explicitly exclude tires from coverage. If you dont rotate your tires on regular basis, the tire wears out, the treads become uneven. Sometimes, however, age isnt the issue. Consent is not a condition of purchase, and you can withdraw consent at any time. No. Motor Hills is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Instead, allow the car to slow down naturally. So why do tires blow out and how can you prevent it? A blown tire can be fatal. Place the jack on firm ground making sure it is perfectly straight up and down. Warning Signs of Tread Separation and Tire Blowouts - Side Car Take a look at Keiths top tips: The signs of a worn-down tread are easy to spotall you need to do is look for them. Keith Benline suggests a quick check every time you stop for gas: Turn your, all the way to the left, then check to see the entire tread of your tire. By seasonally rotating your tire set, you prevent uneven wear and increase its lifespan by a few years. The best providers will cover the cost of regular tire rotation and may even repair/replace tires when necessary. This might mean calling a roadside assistance service, a tow truck, or a friend or family member who can help you change the tire. By taking out an extended auto warranty that includes general maintenance, you have much less reason to worry about blowouts. Tire Sidewall Damage From Driving On Flat, How To Put Air In A Tire With A Broken Valve Stem. You may begin to notice the steel belt cords showing through the rubber, and as Keith Benline points out: Once the steel cord is showing through, youre 50% more likely to experience a blowout at any time on the road.. But if you want to be sure, you can always ask or read your warranty documents carefully. This leads to uneven wear on your tread which means your tires arent uniform. Grip the steering wheel straight firmly with both hands. Always bring a tire pressure gauge with you to monitor it. You can blow out a tire when you hit a pothole or run over a large object. One of the main causes of tire failure is under-inflation. With an Endurance protection plan, not only will you have access to 24/7 roadside assistance, but you can also have up to $3,500 in maintenance covered with, Every new Endurance member also receives a years. Heat alone does not cause a tire to rupture on its own, but it is a contributing component in the demise of tires. Here are six common causes of tire blowouts. Just like semi-trucks, your car is subject to weight restrictions. Stretched Tires What is it and Is it Safe? The most common cause of tire blowout is underinflation, which means the tire has insufficient air pressure, even without a puncture. Heres what to keep an eye out for: Uneven tread wear is a silent culprit that can lead to a blowout. Sometimes, however, age isnt the issue. All the while, the air is seeping out around the nail and weakening your tire. Liability in Tractor Trailer Tire Blowout Accidents - Grossman Law Offices It goes without saying that you should avoid a car accident caused by a tire blowout at all costs, but with some simple general maintenance, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing one. Take a look at Keiths top tips: The signs of a worn-down tread are easy to spotall you need to do is look for them. It is safer than making a single trip whileriskingsafety. It shows up uninvited, causes a scene, and leaves a mess behind. If larger in diameter it could be causing that tire to carry a larger percent of the load. This process is sped up as tires go through the daily beatings of driving and supporting your car. A, of your tires is low, but you should make sure to check yourself for. Nail in Tire What to do & Is it safe to drive with? This weakens the tires slowly. The material itself will degrade over time. Breakdown protection plans like EnduranceAdvantage covers up to $35 towards your next tire rotation, as well as other routine maintenance like oil changes and brake pad replacements. Motor Hills is a place dedicated to all things relating to vehicles on the road. At any rate, these damages will affect your car just like a pothole. Here are the top causes for tire blowouts and ways to prevent them from happening to you: Tires that are under-inflated can be a very serious and dangerous issue. The vehicle also becomes less stable, so it may be more troublesome to drive out of a tire sidewall blowout. Look for a four-digit number on the side of your tire. Tread separation is exactly as it sounds: it's when the tire tread begins to detach from the body (or casing) of the tire. Theres a whole lineup of usual suspects. The most important thing to remember is to stay calm and not to panic. He has been working as a car mechanic for over 10 years, and the majority of them specialized in advanced car diagnostics and troubleshooting. Check Your Tires Regularly Rotate Your Tires Ensure Correct Tire Pressure What Do You Do If Your Tire Blows Out While Driving? While driving on under-inflated tires, the tires become easily overheated leading to sudden failure, usually resulting in a blowout. A tire sidewall damage is exactly what it sounds like; damage to the tire's sidewall, meaning the damage is on the side of the tire and not the tire tread. Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmia) Atrial Flutter. Consider your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as your personal tire bodyguard. One of the worst things you can do right after a tire blowout is to give up control of the vehicle. The car starts wobbling and you lose control. Tyre Blowout: Causes, Prevention and How to Handle - CVS Ltd Overloading your car puts too much pressure on the tires. While you cannot eliminate these hazards from the road, its crucial to remain vigilant and try to avoid driving over them whenever possible. This can come from a small accident or if you drove too close to the roads curb. Your instinct might be to stop as quickly as possible, but slamming on the brakes could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Promptly repair any worn or flat tires, as neglecting them can lead to failure. These are among the most dangerous things that can happen to the everyday driver. Can You Change Tire Size On The Same Rim? A common misconception is that only too much tire pressure causes blowouts. Owning a car can be an absolute joy, especially if you love the vehicle you have and get a lot of use out of it. Your owners manual should give you an exact PSI number for your particular vehicle, but when in doubt, 32 PSI is the most common pressure setting for cars. Heres a rundown: Lets be real, a tire blowout is like the unwelcome guest at a party. What causes blackouts? - London Heart Clinic What Should Your Tire Pressure Be In The Summer? Your subscription could not be saved. Experiencing a blowout is never ideal, but with the right extended auto warranty in place, you can gain peace of mind you have a team ready to help. Sometimes a roads surface can be just as dangerous as the people driving on it. This essentially means that your tires are seeing more stress than they can handle and somethings going to fail. Solution: Change your tires every six years or so. Conditions. Tire Sidewall Damage: What Is It & When To Replace The Tire? Nonetheless, they, like other accidents, are largely avoidable. Look for holes, nails, broken glass, embedded debris, or other sharp objects. The trailer axle capacity should be located on a sticker or plate on the frame. Look at both front tires to see if theyre wearing evenly. Well, heres the scoop. This means that theyre full of pressurized air to give you a comfortable ride and strong performance. A tire blowout is typically accompanied by a banging sound or loud pop, a wheezing sound as the gas escapes the tire, and the flopping sound of the rubber contacting the road. Vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system often provide alerts when there is an issue with tire pressure. What you should know about aircraft tire damage and blowouts - HYDRO You can often spot tire sidewall damage by seeing a deep scratch or a bubble on the tires sidewall. Continuous sagging reduces the overall load-bearing capacity of the tire, contributing to gradual tire overheat. While one might assume that all blowouts are caused by too much internal pressure bursting a weak spot in the tire, the main reason for them is just the opposite. When a tire is starting to deflate, its sides make contact with the road surface. But that doesnt mean you push a car beyond its limits. Driving on tires with insufficient air pressure causes the tires to sag. Once a month, you need to check your tire pressure and, if necessary, fill your tires to the recommended PSI. [1] It is also fairly common for tread separations to be termed blowouts, even those where the inflation pressure is not compromised. can cause serious problems for drivers, but its low pressure that will more likely lead to a blowout. A massive loss of pressure occurs across the tire and can rip a sizable hole through the rubber. If youre indoubt, contact a towing company. If the tires sidewall has a bubble, that is not fixable either, and small punctures should also not be repaired. How Long Can I Drive With A Bulge In My Tire? Not only can you save on costly repairs, but now you can put money back in your pocket while properly maintaining your vehicle. How much tire sidewall damage is too much? Now, imagine your tire blowing out at those speeds. Give the professionals a call at NDI to schedule your appointment! While driving on under-inflated tires, the tires become easily overheated leading to sudden failure, usually resulting in a blowout. New Tires Making Humming Noise: 5 Common Causes. This is a clear indication that a blowout is on the horizon. Copyright 2023 Endurance Warranty Services, LLC. Most Common Cause Of Tire Blowouts | Endurance Warranty In some cases, a tire will blow out to the point that theres barely any rubber near your rims and thats it. Dont drive with worn-out tires: Tires wear out after spending their lives. That's why we've partnered with Xcelerate Auto to offer you transparent and dependable Tesla coverage. Avoid hitting curbs and potholes, but also debris like glass, metal, and stones. Likewise, some off-road tires may have thicker sidewalls to help protect against punctures from rocks or other debris. Knowing what to do if a tire blows out is crucial. Are you wondering what causes a tire blowout? Picture this: its a hot summer day, and youre cruising down the highway. Copyright 2023 RadialZone.com - Privacy policy. The key is to keep control of your vehicle, slow down gently, and move safely off the road. Tire sidewall damage is really bad to drive around with, and we explain why below. If the vehicle is already overloaded and the tires are underinflated, driven at high speeds, or for long distances, a tire blowout becomes more likely and may be unavoidable. Damage to the tire's sidewall is not repairable in most cases. The suns out, and the roads heating up. Here are some common causes of a tire blowout: 1. If you have sidewall damage on a tire, I would recommend having it replaced as soon as possible by a qualified mechanic. Solution: If you survive a pothole, check your tires when you finally park. Sometimes a roads surface can be just as dangerous as the people driving on it. Can I prevent a tire blowout from happening? Take out the jack, the lug wrench, and the spare tire. Truthfully, you might not even realize whats going on. In most cases, its whatever tire is worn the most or has the most defects or damage. Its easy to run over a screw or a nail and not notice, but as air escapes around it, your tire will start to deflate. Nothing wipes the smile from a drivers face faster than hitting a nasty pothole. Well, except maybe the noise and feeling of a blowout directly after hitting one. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to use a spare tire, its essential to be aware of its limitations. Handling A Tire Blowout: Common Causes, Warning Signals & What To Do What Causes a Tire Blowout? There was an issue submitting your request. Is It OK To Rotate Tires Every 10000 Miles?