How to Prevent a Tire Blowout

tire tread test

One of the most frightening driving experiences when driving is a tire blowout. the results can be deadly if it happens while driving at high speeds. Tire blowouts can also cause a vehicle to roll over. Tires have undergone a lot of improvement over the last few decades. This means that most blowouts now happen because of poor tire maintenance. If you are suffering from injuries due to an accident, contact an auto accident lawyer in our office.

Check Tire Pressure on a Regular Basis

Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month. Air within a tire will slowly seep out over time. Air pressure can also drop in very cold weather. If your tire pressure is already on the low side, then they will be dangerously low when the weather gets cold. Driving on under inflated tires weakens them. in addition to avoiding under inflated tires, you should never over inflate your tires. This will cause them to overheat and weaken.

Your tire pressure should be checked more frequently after running over an object, hitting a curb, or when the weather suddenly gets cold.

Immediately Replace Tire If Driven on While Flat

Sometimes all the air in a tire can leak out while a car is parked. If you mistakenly get into the car and drive even a few feet on a flat tire, the rubber of the tire will be damaged. This damage can be seen as a faint ring of discoloration on the sidewall after re-inflation. Get a new tire when this happens.

Avoid Overloading Your Car

This over stresses and weakens the tire.

Check Tread Wear and Replace Worn Out Tires

Tires must be replaced when the tread depth is less than 6/32”. Tires also have tread wear bars that become more visible as your treads wear down. When the wear bars become flush with the top of the tread, it is time to get a new tire.

Rotate Tires Properly

Tire rotation refers to interchanging the tires on your car to even out their wear. Rotation patterns vary depending on the tire type as well as the type of drive (two wheel, four wheel, etc) of your car. Follow the recommended rotation pattern for your car and wheel type.

Avoid Potholes and Debris on the Road

Never drive over potholes or objects on the road. It is impossible to tell when driving whether an object can cause a puncture or tear in your tires. Running over objects at high speed also subject the tires to greater stress.

If you were involved in a Fullerton car accident that was caused by a tire blowout on your car or that of another motorist, contact us today for a free consultation.