Tire blowouts occur when a tire is punctured or otherwise damaged, resulting in the rapid loss of air. This can cause the vehicle to lose control or even roll over. While blowouts are relatively rare, they can be dangerous when they do occur. Fortunately, blowouts do not have to be a fact of life on the road. You can take measures to reduce your risk of experiencing a blowout by following these couple of helpful tips from Big Splash Car Wash.
Make Time for Regular Tire Inspections
Try to make a habit of inspecting your tires every month. This will allow you to catch any problems before they have a chance to turn into a blowout.
Look for signs of damage, such as cracks or bulges, and make sure that they are inflated to the proper pressure. You may want to invest in a tire pressure gauge so that you can check your tire pressure at home.
If you find damage, have the tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Don’t wait until your next scheduled maintenance appointment to take action.
Be Mindful of Where You Drive
Potholes, sharp objects, and other debris can damage your tires. These roadway hazards are more common in certain areas than others.
If you can, avoid driving on roads with these hazards altogether. If you must drive on them, be extra vigilant and go slowly to give yourself time to avoid potential hazards.
Sometimes, even the best-kept roads can have hidden dangers. If you feel your vehicle hit a pothole or has run over something sharp, stop as soon as it is safe to do so and inspect your tires for damage.
Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle
An overloaded vehicle puts extra strain on the tires, which can cause them to fail.
When packing your vehicle for a trip, be mindful of how much weight you are adding to it. If you’re carrying a lot of cargo, make sure to distribute it evenly so that it doesn’t put too much weight on one tire.
You should also avoid towing more than your vehicle is designed to handle. If you need to tow a heavy load, make sure to use the proper size and type of tire.
Prepare for Cold Weather
Cold weather can cause tire problems in two ways. First, the cold itself can make tires more brittle. Second, cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop. Both of these factors can increase the risk of a blowout.
You can help prepare your tires for cold weather by having them winterized at the start of each season. This process includes adding a special solution to the tires that helps them retain flexibility in cold weather. Once the weather warms up, you can have the solution removed from your tires.
In addition to winterizing your tires, be sure to keep an eye on the pressure. You may need to add air more often during the winter months.
Final Thoughts
Tire blowouts are dangerous, but they are also preventable. By remembering to inspect your tires regularly and being mindful of potential hazards, you can help reduce your risk of having a blowout. Safe travels from your friends at Big Splash Car Wash in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Tahlequah and Woodmen!