Nothing could be more dramatic than a tyre blowing out during a high-speed car chase on TV. If you’ve ever seen that and wondered how realistic they are, I’ve got some potentially concerning news. Tyre blowouts are real, and they can put you in immediate danger. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid blowouts and handling a tyre blowout as it happens is not too difficult.
Preventing a tyre blowout requires that your car tyres be in good shape and adequately inflated. Never overload your car. If your tyre blows out, keep calm. Keep your hands firmly on the wheel and gradually apply the brakes. Slow your car down and pull over to the safe side.
As scary as a tyre blowout might sound, there’s very little to worry about if you take the right steps. In this article, we’ll show you how to prevent a tyre blowout from happening and the straightforward steps to handle a tyre blowout safely.
Take a deep breath, and keep reading.
What Is the Difference Between a Tyre Blowout and a Tyre Puncture?
First and foremost, we must establish the difference between having a punctured tyre and having a tyre blowout. One is much more dramatic and concerning than the other, while the other is much more manageable.
Which is which?
Well, a tyre puncture is just as the name suggests. Something has punctured the tyre, and the air is gradually leaking out. The keyword here is "gradually." As you may have experienced already, a punctured tyre leaks so slowly that you might not notice it for days or weeks!
So, suppose you believe you’re experiencing a gradual loss of tyre pressure while driving. In that case, you probably have a punctured tyre, not a tyre blowout. All you have to do is pull over somewhere safe, slap on a spare tyre, and you’ll be on your way.
A tyre blowout, however, is very sudden and dramatic. You may even hear the moment when your tyre blows out and loses all its pressure, possibly rendering it useless.
Tyre blowouts happen in what feels like a split-second, requiring you to react quickly to keep your car moving straight. If mishandled, tyre blowouts could put you in some serious danger, unlike anything you’d experience with a punctured tyre.
What Causes a Tyre Blowout?
Several factors could cause a tyre blowout. Sure, one of them is related to the overall condition of the tyre. However, the other reasons relate to air pressure in the tyre and how you load your vehicle.
Let’s take a closer look at each of those reasons.
Under-Inflated Tyres
Each car has an optimal tyre pressure that you must always stick to. The manufacturer determines the optimal tyre pressure based on the vehicle’s weight and many other factors.
One of the most common causes of a tyre blowout is an under-inflated tyre. That’s right! Without sufficient air pressure, tyres will have a tough time maintaining their structural integrity and could break apart while on the road.
Overloaded Car
Besides under-inflation, you could also cause a tyre to blow out by overloading the car. Remember: All the weight inside the vehicle forces the vehicle's tyres to press harder on the ground.
If you overload the car to more than what the tyres can handle, you’ll increase the chance of getting a tyre blowout.
Harmful Potholes
If you're intent on avoiding blowouts, you must also avoid potholes on the road as best as you can. Tyres are designed to roll smoothly and safely on flat surfaces, not potholes.
Driving over potholes too often could lead to a devastating tyre blowout.
Kerbs and Other Things on the Road
As you can see from the previous example, tyres hitting hard surfaces can cause a tyre to blow out. Sadly, potholes aren't the only things that can cause that outcome. Hitting kerbs and other obstructions on the road could also cause your tyres to blow out.
Of course, avoiding these dangers while you’re driving down a road isn’t always safe or possible. Still, you should try your best, or at least take it as a last-second indicator that you might have to deal with a tyre blowout.
Can You Prevent Tyre Blowouts?
Yes! You can avoid blowouts by ensuring that your tyre is in good condition at all times. Older tyres might not be as strong anymore, so you'll need to replace them with newer ones. Plus, you'll want to ensure that you've adequately inflated the tyres and that you're not carrying too much excess weight in the vehicle.
What Do You Do When a Tyre Blows Out While Driving?
When your tyre blows out in what seems to be a split-second, you’ll have very little time to react and almost no time to think. Here’s what you’ll need to do to resolve the situation:
- Regain your bearings. Yes, it’s challenging to stay calm during a tyre blowout. However, you must try your best to do so. Take a deep breath while gripping the steering wheel firmly. That will help you keep the car going straight while you gather your wits.
- Apply the brakes gently. Resist the temptation to slam on your brakes immediately. Even if you do, let go of it a little and only apply the brake gradually. The goal here is to slow your car down bit by bit to keep you safe.
- Pull over to the side of the road. You don't want to come to a complete halt in the middle of the road. Once you've got your bearings and managed to slow the car down to safer speeds, you should focus on getting your vehicle to the side of the road away from traffic.
- Stop the car and pull the handbrake. You're probably still shaking; that's understandable. Secure the vehicle by pulling the handbrake, and then catch your breath. When you're ready, change the blown-out tyre or call for roadside assistance.
Learn How to Handle Car Problems
To learn more about handling a tyre blowout and many others, check out the blog at Carpart.com.au. There, you’ll find plenty of helpful guides like this one to help you react and resolve common problems faced by drivers in Australia and beyond!
By Ray Hasbollah