Home » FAQs » What Causes a Tire Blowout?

A tire blowout is an unexpected failure of a tire that can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and get into an accident. Understanding what makes a tire blowout and why they happen is essential to prevent them from occurring. 

There are many reasons for tire blowout causes, such as:

  • Overinflated or Underinflated Tires: Overinflated tires become too rigid and unable to absorb shocks, while underinflated tires generate more heat, leading to tire failure.
  • Potholes and Road Hazards: Hitting potholes, debris, or road hazards can cause damage to the tire and lead to a blowout.
  • Excessive Speed: Driving at high speeds generates more heat, causing the tire to overheat and eventually fail.
  • Worn Tires: Tires with worn treads or uneven wear are more susceptible to blowouts.
  • Overloaded Vehicle: Overloading a vehicle puts more stress on the tires and increases the likelihood of a blowout.

How Do Blowouts Happen?

A blowout can occur in several ways, including:

  1. Sidewall Failure: The sidewall of the tire can become damaged or weakened, leading to a blowout.
  2. Tread Separation: The tread can separate from the tire due to defects, wear and tear, or damage, leading to a blowout.
  3. Bead Unseating: The tire bead, which is the part of the tire that sits on the wheel rim, can become unseated, causing the tire to deflate rapidly.

Avoid slamming on the brakes if you do encounter a tire blowout because doing so could lead you to lose traction. Moreover, counter-steering will keep you moving in a straight line so you can then allow your car to slow down gradually. Once your car has slowed down, you should move it off the road, fix the tire, or contact a towing service.

How to Help Prevent a Tire Blowout

A tire blowout can cause a sudden loss of control of the car, which can end in a significant collision with catastrophic injuries or even wrongful death. 

To avoid tire blowouts, it’s important to have the right tire pressure, routinely check the tire for wear or damage, and drive carefully. Furthermore, remember to always pull over to the side of the road safely if a tire blows out while you’re driving to prevent a potentially dangerous situation.

By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of a tire blowout and help ensure safe driving.

Tire Blowout? Contact Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys

If you’ve been hurt due to a tire blowout, you could be eligible for financial compensation for your injuries. As soon as you can after your car accident, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys by calling 888.501.7888 for a FREE consultation. We won’t stop until our clients receive what they’re owed—that’s why we offer the G Guarantee: we don’t get paid until you do!

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