Let’s focus on safety as we drive this summer. Excessive heat can cause tire blowouts. Whether you’ve experienced a tire blowup in the past or are simply wanting to ensure that you do everything you can to prevent this dangerous situation, we’ve got a guide for you. Read on to learn about why blowouts happen and how to prevent them, so you can go on your summer road trip with peace of mind and newfound knowledge.
What causes tire blowouts in summer
Tire blowouts occur more frequently in summer and pose an extreme danger to you, your passengers, and to other cars on the road. Blowouts cause frequent accidents and damage to vehicles, but many of these scenarios can be avoided.
Tire blowout causes
Temperature fluctuations
Beware of heat this summer. Not just for you, but for your tires too. A hotter tire is more likely to blow out.
In the heat, the air inside a tire expands which adds pressure to the tire and can over inflate it. This expansion reduces the rubber’s bond to the tire’s internal material. The tire itself can also heat up while driving at high speeds for long periods, for example, on highways (check out Preventing Tire Damage from Hot Pavement for more tips on this).
The same idea applies when the temperature drops or fluctuates. If the air within the tire condenses, the tire can become underinflated, which adds strain to the rubber and increases its susceptibility to punctures.
Overloaded weight
You also risk a tire blowout with an overloaded vehicle, that is, carrying more than the recommended maximum weight your vehicle is meant to take. Find your vehicle’s Gross Vehicular Weight Rating is listed in the driver’s door jamb, along with your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure, or PSI. If necessary, you can raise your tire’s pressure to the listed maximum pressure to carry a heavier load. This maximum pressure can be found on the tire’s sidewall.
Road conditions
Potholes are the next cause for tire blowouts, and they can be especially prevalent as the temperature rises in the spring and summer. If the impact is hard enough, the tire rubber gets pinched between the rim and the obstacle causing it to burst. And while potholes are the main road hazard when it comes to causing blowouts, curbs also pose similar risks.
Worn out tires
While tire blowouts can also occur seemingly out of nowhere, these are most likely to be because the tire has been used until the end of its lifespan. Wear and tear can be higher when the tire isn’t properly maintained, but the risk is especially high when your tires are near the end of their life and also aren’t properly inflated. At this stage, the slightest extra strain on the tires could cause them to blow out, which is why tires should be regularly inspected and switched out with a new set after their recommended lifetime.
Tire blowout prevention
While there are many causes of tire blowouts, there are a few steps drivers can take to prevent them from happening.
- Regular tire maintenance
Whether you’re personally inspecting and maintaining your tires, or you’ve trusted the task to a professional, your tires will thank you for it. Regular maintenance detects issues at their starting point, before anything has escalated to a more pressing concern.
Not only will you be taking the necessary measures to prevent blowouts,but through these inspections, you will also maintain the tire’s integrity with proper maintenance, such as rotation, alignment, and balancing.
- Respect the recommended PSI and maximum weight
These numbers you find within the driver’s door jamb are carefully printed for a reason. They’re numbers that have been selected after careful testing and research so the vehicle remains safe. Adhere to these numbers or find another solution (e.g. ship your cargo a different way) if they don’t align with your needs.
- Avoid potholes and debris wherever possible
Avoiding road hazards seems obvious, but there are times when they are truly unavoidable. After all, it’s not safe to swerve to avoid a pothole if there are vehicles next to you on the road. So, whenever you’re faced with a pothole, slow down or move to the side while staying in the lane you’re in. If it’s safe to do so, it’s always best to or switch lanes altogether. Debris on the road, such as sticks, jagged rocks, or broken glass, should also be avoided. Look ahead while driving and always give yourself time and space to yourself room to move or slow down.
- Buy the right tires
Tires differ for each vehicle’s make and model and must be purchased in the right size and class. For instance, if you’re planning on loading your car up beyond its recommended weight, you can’t simply buy a set of tires that carry a heavier load.. Browse through passenger, light truck and SUV tires see how they differ, and find a set that fits your vehicle. Remember, if you’re buying a second-hand car or a new set of tires, they must always match up in size and purpose for the safest ride.
Navigating a tire blowout
Picture this, you’re on a summer road trip, driving down a long, sunny freeway. Then you hear a loud bang. That’s the sound of your tire popping. You might then hear the air quickly escape the tire with a loud whoosh, and then a flapping sound as the deflated tire rolls unevenly on the road.
Don’t panic. Take your foot off the gas but do not brake. Keep both hands on the wheel to retain control. Try to keep your steering straight as you ease off to the side of the road. Get out of the way of any oncoming traffic. You’ll eventually come to a stop. Put on your emergency lights.
In the case of a tire blowout, you’ll need emergency tire repair. You might be able to switch the tire yourself with a spare tire depending on the circumstances, but otherwise, you’ll need to have your vehicle towed to a mechanic.
Tire blowout prevention with Sailun
Don’t let your summer road trip burst with a tire blowout. First, shop the right tires for your vehicle and start fresh. Second, familiarize yourself with the latest tips for tire maintenance. Third, enjoy a safe summer road trip.