Can Low Tire Pressure Cause a Blowout?
2 Answers
Tire pressure that is too low can indeed cause a blowout. This is because the friction between the tire and the ground increases significantly, leading to a rapid rise in tire temperature, softening of the tire, and a sharp decrease in strength. Even slight friction can then result in a blowout. Additionally, low tire pressure poses the following hazards: 1. Driving with insufficient pressure can cause excessive bending of the tire carcass, generating high heat. This can burn the inner airtight layer rubber into black spots, leading to separation between the rubber and the tire carcass fabric. 2. In severe cases, the airtight layer rubber may melt due to the high heat, and sustained high temperatures can severely damage the tire's internal structure. 3. Continuing to drive with reduced tire strength can ultimately lead to tire failure.
Low tire pressure can indeed easily cause a blowout. Having driven for over a decade, I often see friends neglecting this issue. When the pressure is insufficient, the tire will excessively bend and deform, with the sidewall generating heat from friction particularly quickly. Especially during high-speed driving, when tire temperatures soar and rubber materials age rapidly, sudden bursting may occur. Last month, my neighbor's car experienced this exact situation - with pressure below 1.8 bar, it suffered a high-speed blowout that nearly caused an accident. I've developed the habit of using a simple pressure gauge to check monthly. I ensure it stays around 2.2-2.5 bar, following the manufacturer's recommended values posted on the door frame. Safety comes first - regular checks require little effort and save you from buying new tires. A blowout isn't just dangerous; improper handling could lead to a rollover, which is even worse.
