What Causes a Tire to Blowout?

Now let’s get to the big question: what causes a tire to blow out? Several things can be the culprit:

• Underinflation – Probably the most common cause. When your tire doesn’t have enough air, the sidewalls flex more than they should. That added stress creates heat and, eventually, failure.
• Overloading your Ride – Too much weight puts extra pressure on your tires, raising the risk of a blowout.
• Road hazards – Potholes, nails, and sharp debris are obvious threats. Even a small cut in your tire can turn into a dangerous situation.
• Worn-out treads – Tires with minimal tread left can’t grip the road properly and are more vulnerable to damage.
• Heat – Hot summer pavement combined with high speeds can make an already stressed tire fail quickly.

Sometimes, a combination of these factors plays a role. For example, an underinflated tire on a hot day that hits a pothole is almost a recipe for trouble.

Warning Signs Before a Blowout

The tricky part is that a tire blowout often feels like it comes out of nowhere. But if you know what to look for, your car may give you a few warning signs:

• You notice your tire is constantly losing air and needing frequent refills.
• There are visible bulges, cracks, or cuts on the sidewall.
• The tread looks uneven or excessively worn.
• You feel vibrations or shaking while driving that aren’t normal.

If you catch these symptoms early, you can prevent the sudden scare of a blowout. And honestly, it’s always better to be safe and have a professional inspect it. That’s where regular tire service at a trusted place like Bob Jass Chevrolet in Elburn, IL, can make a huge difference.