For most experienced drivers, driving on the highway is not a difficult task. Even so, they are advised to attach importance to the conditions of tires to avoid blowouts. The term “blowout” refers to a bursting tire that occurs rapidly due to a sudden loss of air pressure. As a potential safety hazard on the road, tire blowouts deserve your attention. Read the article to learn why it happens and how you react once it happens.
Common Reasons for Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts often stem from neglecting basic maintenance and monitoring. Here are some main reasons:
Under Inflation
- Low tire pressure increases friction and heat, weakening the tire wall.
Worn Treads
- Bald tires lose grip and are more vulnerable to punctures and heat damage.
Potholes
- Sudden impact from road hazards can rupture or severely damage tires.
Heat
- High temperatures cause tire materials to expand and degrade faster.
Slow Leaks
- Gradual air loss can go unnoticed, leading to under-inflation and failure.
To prevent the possible unpleasant experience, inspecting tire pressure regularly and tread depth are a must. Remember to look for signs of leaks or wear. Also, rotate tires and maintain proper inflation to extend their lifespan.
What to Do During and After a Tire Blowout
If a blowout happens at high speed, staying calm is the first step, and following the above safety steps to minimise the hurt:
Immediate Actions
- Grip the steering wheel firmly.
- Do not slam on the brakes.
- Ease off the gas pedal to slow down gradually.
- Steer gently toward the shoulder or nearest exit.
- Once off the road, brake lightly until you stop.
- Turn on emergency flashers.
- Stand at a safe distance while waiting for help.
Directional Control
- If the left tire blows, the car may veer left, so steer slightly right to stabilise.
- If the right tire blows, steer gently to counter the drift.
- Avoid sharp braking to prevent rollover accidents.
Driving Safety
- Avoid speeding: above 160 km/h, fatality rates are extremely high.
- Maintain a wide vision: scan mirrors frequently and observe the road ahead through other vehicles.
- Watch for pedestrians, especially elderly and children, in mixed traffic zones.
- Pay attention to signals from other drivers: they may spot issues you haven’t noticed.