Top Ways to Avoid a Tire Blowout

Having a tire blowout is not a fun. If you have experienced one before, you know how frightening it is. New and experienced drivers can fall victim to a blowout. A blown tire is inconvenient, but it is also very dangerous, especially if you are driving at freeway speeds. Luckily, there are some things you can do. Read on to learn some of the top ways to protect yourself and avoid a dangerous tire blowout.

Steer Clear of Potholes

Potholes are a top cause of tire damage. The pesky road hazards cause many blowouts each year. This is especially true if you drive a vehicle with larger wheels and low profile tires. Steering clear of potholes is a good way to keep your tires in good condition and avoid a flat. If you hit anything, stop your vehicle and inspect the tires for damage before continuing your trip. You can hit a pothole at slower speeds and not experience a catastrophic failure until you are traveling faster, which is extremely dangerous.

Make Sure Tires Are not Under Inflated or Overfilled

Drivers with overfilled or under inflated tires are more likely to experience a blowout. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is mandatory for all vehicles made after 2007, but drivers should not rely on the TPMS as an indicator of the proper tire pressure. To properly fill tires, drivers should use a hand-held tire pressure gauge to check each tire and fill each to the proper volume. If you accidentally put too much air, you can use the back of the pressure gauge to release some air.

Avoid Overloading

Your car might be able to handle a load, but it is important to make sure your tires can as well. Knowing the maximum weight for your tires is important. If you know you are picking up a heavier load, experts suggest filling the tires with the maximum pressure indicated on the tire’s sidewall.

Never Purchase Used Tires

Used tires are very dangerous and they are not covered under store or manufacturer warranties, leaving you totally unprotected. Old tires can sustain damage inside but seem fine on the exterior. In fact, tires can dry rot without you knowing, so while you may think you are saving money purchasing tires another motorist ditched, you are actually putting yourself at risk for a costly accident caused by a blown tire.

Repair Leaks Promptly

Your TPMS should alert you if there is a slow leak in one of your tires. When your TPMS light indicates a problem, fix it promptly by taking your vehicle to a licensed tire shop or dealer. A slow leak may not seem like a big deal, but tires with minimal damage, which is not repaired in a timely fashion, cause many blowouts each year.

Tire failure is a top cause of car accidents all over the world. There is no way to completely protect yourself from a blown tire, but following these simple tips can help. While there is no fool-proof way to protect yourself, you will appreciate the peace of mind you have while driving just knowing that you have done all you can to keep yourself and other drivers safer on the road by following these simple tips.