Tyre Blowouts: What Should You Do?
A tyre blowout is totally a nightmare when driving on the road. Fortunately, you may have not experienced this. However, being prepared for such an incident will not only save you a lot of trouble but could also save your life.
In this article, we've laid out everything you should know about a tyre blowout.
What Causes A Tyre Blowout?
A tyre blowout isn't caused by one single factor. However, it has a primary cause common amongst drivers who have experienced a tyre blowout. Below are some causes of a tyre blowout, starting with its most common cause.
Under-Inflated Tyres
Driving on under-inflated tyres is the primary cause of a tyre blowout. How does this happen exactly? If you are driving on under-inflated tyres, it implies that the air pressure in that tyre is dangerously low. As a result, your tyre begins to overheat as it flexes beyond its limits. Also, the overheating will cause the tyre's steel cord reinforcement and internal fabric to lose their hold with the rubber.
Keep in mind that if you are driving on under-inflated tyres, a tyre blowout isn't the only problem you can face. Also, driving on under-inflated tyres could cause balancing issues which in turn results in uneven wear. The dangers that accompany under-inflated tyres are simply not worth the risk. Therefore, it’s very crucial to check and reset your tyre pressure properly to avoid these situations.
Overloading
This one's a no-brainer. If you exceed your tyre's weight limit, you are bound to have complications. Tyre weight ratings are put out there for you, and with good reason. Overloading your vehicle will squish the tyre. Consequently, your tyre begins to overheat as its structure starts to fail, resulting in a tyre blowout.
A tyre blowout might not happen the moment your tyre's weight limit has been crossed. However, when you repeatedly overload your vehicle, you are subjecting your tyre to constant stress that will compromise its integrity.
Direct Hit or Impact
From hitting potholes to hitting the curbs of a parking lot, there are several ways you can injure your tyre. However, a direct hit on your tyre can carry enough force to cause shearing pressure on your tyre's composition. Over time, your tyre's integrity begins to plummet as it starts to lose air pressure. If you continue to drive on such a tyre, a tyre blowout is imminent.
What Should You Do If You Have A Tyre Blowout?
One of your worst road nightmares finally stares at you; you have a tyre blowout. Here's a step-by-step guide on what you should do if you have a tyre blowout:
- Don't panic
- Avoid hitting the brake because it will cause you to lose control
- Pump the gas gently to maintain momentum
- Counter-steer to keep your vehicle from plunging into the other lane
- Gradually begin to slow down by taking your foot off the gas
- Switch on your emergency light
- When it's safe, carefully steer towards the right-hand lane and pull over
- Replace the blown tyre or wait for the help
What Should You Do To Prevent A Tyre Blowout?
You know the saying, "prevention is better than cure." As cliché as it sounds, it couldn't be more right. After all, the chances of experiencing a tyre blowout reduce drastically if you can find a way to prevent it. Below are preventive measures you can take to avoid a tyre blowout.
- Avoid overloading your vehicle
- Inspect your tread regularly for wear and tear
- Ensure to replace your tyres on schedule
- Check your tyre pressure regularly
A lot of tyre mishaps can be avoided through maintenance and safe driving. However, we understand accidents do happen, and that's why we want you to be prepared beforehand, which led to this article. Thanks to this guide, having a tyre blowout wouldn't be a life or death situation as you are now equipped with the information required to handle it. With that out of the way, safe driving!
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