Guide To Tire Bloatouts What To Do

Tire blowouts are evident in the form of tire fragments scattered along the roadsides and interstates. What causes a tire to blow out? What exactly is it? What should you do if you suddenly experience one? What should you do? What can you do to reduce the likelihood of a tire blowout?

According to statistics, an average driver will have five flat tires in their lifetime. You will most likely find yourself on the safer side of a flat, like in your neighborhood driving at low speeds or noticing a flat before you begin your drive. It is possible that it can happen when you drive at high speeds on major highways. This guide will help you be prepared in the event of a tire blowout.

Recognizing a Blooper

Let's start with the basics. What is a tire blowout? It is also known by other names such as tire burst or catastrophic tire failure. For reasons we'll talk about next, a blowout is when your tire bursts rapidly and loses air pressure. When it happens, you can hear and feel the difference. It can cause the car to become more difficult to control, which can prove very frightening and dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 9% of accidents are caused by tires. It doesn't have to be that way if you are prepared for the situation.

What Causes Blowouts?

There are many reasons tires can burst or blow out. Some are out of your control, but others, like the weather itself, you can easily manage. You have control over the following reasons why blowouts occur:

• Too little tire pressure. Inflation.

• Overloading.

• Tires with worn treads. Tires with low tread will burst more often than tires that are well-used.

• Slow Leak. Tires that have a slow leak are more likely to burst and become less inflated.

Did you know that there is a "season" for tire blowouts? Tire bursts most often occur between May-September, which is a good time to be aware of some reasons, many of them out of your control.

• Heat. You can't alter the weather.

• Distance to Travel. Summer road trips and vacations are more popular than ever. You are more likely to experience tire failure if you travel more.

• Road Hazards and Potholes. You can't control potholes, but you can be alert and allow enough space for you to avoid them. You might also encounter more road hazards in summer because of the increased road construction.

What to do during a blowout

You're driving down the interstate at 70 mph when something unexpected happens: blowout. You can help avoid an accident by being responsible for keeping other motorists safe.

• Keep Calm. You're more likely to overreact if you panic.

• Take control of the steering wheel. Keep your hands at 10, 2, and driver's ed. To get the best control, you need to use that grip immediately. Try to keep the car in a straight line. The car may pull in one direction. Keep your steering wheel straight and in control.

• Do not brake. While you may feel the need to slam on the brakes, it is best to do so with caution. You can regain control if the car pulls too hard. To do this, press gently on the accelerator to accelerate. Then, let the gas pedal release slowly and let the car naturally slow down.

• Pullover. No matter if you're driving on side streets or interstates, pull over as far as you can from traffic. It is dangerous for you and the other drivers to remain in the middle of the road.

• Use your Parking Brake and Hazard Lights. Use your hazard lights to make sure other drivers see that you're not going anywhere. If you have stopped on any type of grade, either up or down, put on the parking brake.

What to do after a blowout

You have safely brought your car to a halt on the side road. Now what? Breathe. Keep calm by taking a deep, slow breath. Your calmness is a huge benefit for everyone in the car, not just for you, but also for all passengers.

After you have taken a deep, exhale, now it is time to assess your surroundings. You should not leave your vehicle until you feel safe. If you feel unsafe because of the distance or lack of shoulder space between your vehicle and traffic, keep your seatbelt fastened. You can safely leave your vehicle if you are able to do so.

For assistance, call. Call for roadside assistance or a tow truck.

OR

Change the tire. Change the tire to the spare if the conditions are suitable. A blown tire will likely be hot so allow it to cool off. After you have put on the spare, slow down and use your hazard lights as a signal to slow down your speed. Spares should not be driven at high speeds or long distances. You can use your spare tire to quickly get to a shop to get a new one.

How to Avoid Future Blowouts

There are many factors that can lead to blowouts. This is why there is some good news. There are many things you can do that will reduce the likelihood of a blowout. It is crucial to maintain your car's driving ability. You will take good care of your car.

• Check your Tire Pressure. This task is not a one-and-done. It should be checked often. When it comes to proactive maintenance, knowing your vehicle and the components of it, such as the tires and pressure, will put you in control. It is much easier to add some air to your vehicle than it is to fix a blowout.

• Never drive on worn tires. The "penny test" can help you determine how much tread is left. Place a penny upside-down with Lincoln's head facing inside the tread. You still have enough tread if Abe's head is covered. It is time to change the tire if you can't see Abe.

• Avoid heavy loads. Know how much weight your tires can withstand. This is a good time to inflate your tires up to the maximum PSI (listed on the tire) to avoid underinflation due to extra load.

• Add Roadside Assistance. For added security in the event that there is a breakdown, you might consider adding roadside assistance protection.

• Always have a spare tire ready. It's frustrating to have a flat or blown tire. You need to know where your spare tire is, make sure it's in good condition, and that it's actually there.

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