How common are tire blowouts?

Tire Blowouts and Tire-Related Crashes

At least 2,000 of those are blowout-related. ire blowout accidents are more common, and more dangerous, than you might think. One in every 270 crashes (11,000) each year in the U.S. was caused by tire failure between 2000 and 2015, resulting in an average of 200 deaths a year.

What is the most common cause of a tire blowout?

Most tire blowouts are caused by under inflation. Tire under inflation causes the side of a tire to flex more which generates heat. It's the heat that leads to the blowout. What's important to understand is tires lose pressure over time.

How do you prevent tire blowouts?

The best way to prevent a blowout is simple, check your tires! Check for low leaks, wear and tear, proper pressure, and keeping your load light, within your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Schedule a service appointment today!

Can car tires randomly explode?

It's a rare occurrence, but under certain circumstances, a damaged car tire can suddenly explode, leading to devastating consequences. Every year, dozens of people are seriously injured or even killed while filling their tires with air.

Why do tires randomly explode?

Improper tire inflation – Tires that are underinflated or overinflated are at risk for explosion. Too much pressure on the tire can cause overinflated tires to blow out. Design defect – Defects in a tire can cause cracks to form on its exterior, leading to significant air loss and explosion.

Cause for Tire Blowouts

How often do car tires explode?

Experiencing a tire blow-out is probably one of the basic concerns that new drivers worry about. Data shows that tire blowouts occur in 6.5 percent of cars that comprise more than 80 percent the vehicles involved in the crashes in France from 1996 to 2002.

How do you tell if a tire is going to explode?

Look for cracks or cuts in the sidewall — grooves that are distinct enough to be visible to the naked eye. This could be a sign that your tire is developing a leak, or worse, that it's ready to blow out.

How easy is it to pop a tire?

Summary. Slashing a tire is not all that difficult. You just need a sharp object with which to poke the tire's surface. The tire will easily deflate and become flat either in a matter of seconds or a few hours depending upon the type of tool used to slash the tire.

Can a tire pop while parked?

If your tire is popped while parked, it's usually far more convenient and less dangerous than when you're driving, but it can still be difficult if you're parallel parked on a city street or next to other cars. In this case, safely replacing the tire is what to do if a tire blows out.

At what PSI will a tire explode?

The standard tire is inflated to about 30 to 35 pounds per square inch. Under hot weather and highway conditions, the temperature of the air inside the tire rises about 50 degrees. That increases the pressure inside the tire about 5 psi. The burst pressure of a tire is about 200 psi.

What does a tire blowout feel like?

They can vary depending on your situation, but at first, you may hear a loud boom or bang of the tire popping; this sound typically reverberates throughout your car. Then, you may hear a whooshing sound or the sound of the air quickly discharging from the tire.

What does a tire blowout sound like?

The most common sounds of a tire blowout include a loud pop or banging sound, a whooshing sound as the air exits the tire, and the flopping sound of the rubber hitting the road. When the tire explodes, you may feel the vehicle start to slow down suddenly and then pull sharply to one side.

How far can you drive on a blowout?

Make sure you drive no longer than 1.5 miles and go no faster than 20 mph – this is the only way to ensure that your tire has any hopes of surviving this disaster.

How much does it cost to fix a blown out tire?

‍Tire Patching Costs

The wholesale price of a tire patch is less than $2.00. The glob of bead sealer that's used to seal the patch costs less than $0.10. But it takes the average mechanic about 15 minutes to patch a tire. Most shops charge around $120 per mechanic hour, so you're looking at $30-$40 for time and parts.

How do tires pop while driving?

Tire blowouts are usually the result of overloading the vehicle, impact damage (either immediate or delayed depending on severity of the impact), a massive cut that causes rapid air loss, or an unnoticed small puncture that allows the tire to slowly lose air over time until it fails.

Are blowouts covered under tire warranty?

If the tire was defective, the damage may be covered by a manufacturer's warranty. If it was a manufacturing defect that caused the tire blowout damage, the manufacturer of the tire itself may be liable for the damage. Having comprehensive insurance will not guarantee coverage in the event you have a tire blowout.

Can a tire blowout at slow speeds?

Car and Driver says tire blowouts happen more frequently when you're driving on the interstate or traveling at higher speeds. There's less of a chance in stop-and-go driving because the tire is turning slowly and not building up as much heat, although it's still possible to experience a blowout at lower speeds.

Can a nail cause a tire blowout?

You can blow out a tire when you hit a pothole or run over a large object. You can also blow out a tire if you run over glass, a nail, or hit a curb.

Is it okay if my tire is touching the curb?

While sidewalls can sustain some impact, they aren't built for the impact that the threaded part of the tire takes. Thus, a relatively light bump might cause some damage. Even minor damage from a curb can weaken a sidewall enough to impact how a tire rides.

Why do people slash tires?

Most of the time, it is an intentional act meant to restrict movement. Some people may do this to your wheels to settle a score. The other reason for slashing is to solve a tire problem, such as an overinflated tire. In this case, it is an emergency solution to prevent a blowout.

How do you secretly damage a car?

How can you tell if someone messed your tires?

A sign that someone punctured your tire is if there is a clean, straight cut on the tire, especially along the sidewall. Knife slashes will be small, straight cuts a few inches long—roughly the size of a knife blade. Another hint is if this cut is on the sidewall of your tire.

Why do tires explode more often during summer time?

When it gets really warm, driving on underinflated tires can lead to overheating and increase the chances of them bursting.

At what temperature do tires pop?

Generally, car tires will appear to melt at around 1,000°F. But before they get to that point, they will break down at about 390°F and explode at about 750°F, all of which far exceed Arizona's hottest day. Car tires are made of specialized rubber polymers that make up what is called vulcanized rubber.

What is the first thing to do if you experience a tire blowout?