A sudden, loud boom of a tire blowout can be a heart-stopping moment on the road. Tire blowouts can cause serious risks, especially while driving at highway speeds. Therefore, you should know what to do if you experience a tire blowout and how to prevent it.
What causes a tire blowout?
A tire blowout refers to a rapid drop in tire pressure, causing the tire to burst and resulting in potential loss of vehicle control. Tire blowouts can happen for several reasons. Some common causes include:
- A puncture or cut in a tire — Driving over a sharp object can cause air to escape rapidly from the tire.
- Under-inflated tires — Tires can overheat due to insufficient air pressure. This can cause the rubber to separate from the steel belt inside.
- Overloaded tires — Carrying too much weight can overheat the tire and cause it to explode.
- Worn tires — Worn-out tires generate heat more rapidly and are more vulnerable to punctures, cuts, and other damage.
What should you do if you have a tire blowout?
If you experience a tire blowout, the most important thing is to stay calm. You should not slam on the brakes, but instead gradually slow down your vehicle's speed. Steer firmly to regain control of your vehicle. You should not drive with a flat tire any more than strictly necessary. Once you have managed to slow down, pull over to a safe spot and call for roadside assistance.
How to prevent a tire blowout
Tire blowouts can be a critical safety hazard on the road. Following tire maintenance guidelines helps to keep your tires in optimal driving condition, and can lessen the chance of a tire blowout. Here are some tips on how to prevent a tire blowout:
- Maintain recommended tire pressure and adjust if necessary. Check tire pressure monthly.
- Regularly check your tires’ condition. Measure the tread depth and look for uneven wear patterns.
- Do not exceed recommended load levels or speeds.
- Pay attention to the driving environment to avoid punctures and cuts.
Even with preventive measures, unexpected situations can happen on the road. That's why it's important to keep a safe following distance. Consider both road and weather conditions and how those may impact your vehicle's braking distance.
Replacing a blown tire
If you find yourself in the unfortunate scenario of a blown tire or tire sidewall damage, it is not safe to attempt repairing the tire. When you have to replace a damaged tire with a spare tire, remember that the spare tire is designed only for temporary use.
Nokian Tyres crafts tires that are reinforced by puncture resistant Aramid fibers – the same material used in bulletproof vests. Rugged fibers in the sidewalls provide added strength to the tire when your vehicle encounters road hazards, helping to reduce the likelihood of a dangerous blowout. The Nokian Tyres One HT even has Aramid beneath the tread for extra protection – an innovation called Aramid Shield. If you do happen to encounter a road hazard and experience a tire blowout or damaged sidewall, Nokian Tyres offers a Pothole Protection Warranty on products that include Aramid Technology.
Having a reliable set of tires is essential for road safety. High-quality tires can prevent tire blowouts, enhance traction, reduce the risk of hydroplaning, and make driving safer on icy and snowy roads. If you are in the market for new tires, contact your local Nokian Tyres dealer:
