One of the worst things that can happen to an individual while driving is to have a tire blowout. Tire blowouts are dangerous for the vehicle they happen to and those around them as well. Blowouts usually occur without warning and cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle, which is why it can be dangerous for everyone in the vicinity. To avoid having a blowout and potentially being injured in a car accident, it helps to know the causes and how to prevent them in the first place. We’ll discuss what you can do to avoid this situation and keep yourself and others safe while on the road.

Causes of Tire Blowouts

One of the most common causes of a blowout in a tire is if the tire has become old and worn or is defective. When a tire wears down the walls of the tire start to weaken and with added pressure and wear it is only a matter of time before the tire literally pops while you’re driving. The tire is filled with air, but without enough material to absorb the friction of hitting the road, especially on rougher terrain.

Even if a tire is in good shape, if it has any defects it is at increased risk for a blowout. You can recognize a defect in a tire if the tire is not smooth and round but instead you notice a knot or bubble in part of the tire. If this spot on the tire is struck just right it will pop or explode, which could lead to a collision.

Rough terrain and uneven roads are another primary cause of tire blowouts. One of the things that is important for a tire to function properly is to have constant and even contact with the road. When the road is uneven it puts unequal pressure on parts of the tire and even worse, if the road is rough and jagged this can increase the amount of wear on the tread of the tire until it pops.

Preventing a Blowout

Even though blowouts can be unpredictable there are some things that you can do to lower the risk of having one while on the road.

Start by always making sure that you keep your tires in good shape. Once the tread starts to wear down and the tire starts to go bald, it is time to start looking at getting a new tire or set of tires. This will keep you from having a blowout due to the age of the tire.

When you purchase new tires it is a good idea to make sure you buy them from a reputable dealer and make sure they do a complete inspection of the tires before they are installed. A defective tire can cause a blowout easily, even on a brand new tire so checking for defects should become a point of habit.

When traveling it is impossible for every road you travel on to be smooth, but if you notice that a particular patch of road is in bad shape, it might be a good idea to look for an alternative route. Having tires that are in good shape will reduce the risk of a blowout but some roads are so rough and jagged that they can cause a blowout even for tires that are in good shape. If you find yourself going off road a lot, make sure your vehicle is equipped for that type of travel and your tires are rated for that type of terrain.