What Causes Tyre Blowouts

Have you ever wondered what causes a blowout or what to do if the tyre blows out?

Well, blowouts always happen, but how can you predict them? It is too familiar for a car to swerve out of control, pull over to find a flat right tyre and probably need a tow. Since most people don't keep a spare on hand and are unaware of what causes a blowout, they must walk to the nearest phone box and call for help.

Knowing what does a tyre blowout look like and what all causes tyres to fail can help you find preventative measures.

Autobest has in-depth resources on how to keep your tyres safe! Check out these six common causes of tyre failure below and see what you may be missing!

6 Most Common Causes of a Tyre Blowout

1. Road damage

When driving on a rough road or freeway, it’s essential to have a set of good tyre that can handle the hazards and keep you safe. Unfortunately, most people don’t think about the danger until they are already in an accident.

If your tyres are already worn, then every bump and pothole has the potential to be a blowout. In addition, any object that is larger than a pea can cause an accident. This includes most stones, large rocks, glass shards and nails. Even if you don't hit any of these, you could still blow out your tyres if the tyre tread is weakening from normal wear and tear or because of hidden damage that has been caused by poor maintenance or accidents.

2. Too much weight

Most of us take our vehicles out of the garage regularly. But the situation can quickly become serious if you do anything to slow down or damage your tyres. You may even risk losing traction and causing an accident as you pull out of a store or drive home from work. Overloading your vehicle can also result in uneven tread wear and tyre blowouts, which can lead to serious safety concerns over time.

That is why load limits exist for a reason. If you have too much weight in your vehicle, the tyres will not be able to take it, and one of them could blow out. Load-based restrictions allow drivers to know when they exceed their vehicle's weight limit, so they can begin compacting or removing cargo until they are within their permissible range.

3. Punctures

Nail punctures are one of the most common causes of tyre problems. A nail can weaken your tyre’s structure, causing it to lose air pressure and blow out.

The sidewall of a tyre is designed to hold the inflation pressure of your car’s tyres. However, if a small nail penetrates the tyre’s sidewall, the air will escape from the inner tube. In some instances, this may not be a problem for a short time as long as you keep driving usually. However, if your tyre punctures because something in your car has caused damage, such as misalignment or improper maintenance, you need to get the nail removed or replaced when it begins to cause leaks or blowouts.

4. Low Air

If a nail or other sharp object punctures your tyre, such as a ballpoint pen, pry bar or screwdriver, you can lose air quickly. Low air pressure in a tyre causes the side of your tyre to wear faster than the outside. This can lead to a blowout, entrapment, or even flipping your vehicle. The nail test is a helpful way to determine if your tyre condition is good. If you can blow a nail across your tyre's tread, it means your air pressure is low, meaning you need to add air to your tyres.

5. Uneven Tread

Tyres not rotated at the manufacturer's recommended interval may wear unevenly, increasing the risk of blowouts. In addition, customers usually go to their local tyre retailers for their rotation needs. However, not only does this take them out of their comfort zone with unfamiliar things going wrong during service or maintenance, but it also takes a lot of time from their busy lives.

6. Old or Defective Tyres

One of the most common causes of blowouts is coil failure. This can happen after only a few hundred miles, so monitor your tyres closely and replace them at 6,000 miles if they are old and worn. Coil damage will also affect tyre pressure and result in underinflation, so check the tyre pressure on a regular basis.

FAQs

1. What are some common causes of tyre blowouts?

Tyre blows out due to road damage caused by too much weight, punctures, low air pressure, uneven tread and old or faulty tyres. Tyre blowouts can be dangerous and costly to your vehicle’s safety and effectiveness, often causing further damage as you try to get back on the road.

2. What tyre pressure causes a blowout?

The most common tyre problems are underinflation, over-inflation and over-inflation. Under-inflation or over-inflation can cause your tyre to become very weak and may fail when it is most needed—during braking. If your air pressure is between 25%-40%, and you feel more than just a low tyre, we recommend having us check it before going on any long drive.

3. How do you prevent tyre blowouts?

Keeping your tyres properly inflated and maintained can help prevent blowouts. With the right amount of pressure, the most efficient air, and a skilled technician, you'll be well on your way to avoiding those annoying roadside interruptions. Don't forget to check your tyre pressure or have them serviced regularly.