Can Tire Pressure Monitoring Prevent Blowouts?
2 Answers
Tire pressure monitoring can help prevent blowouts, but it is not 100% effective. The main causes of tire blowouts are reduced tire load capacity and sudden changes in load capacity, such as exposure to intense sunlight, driving over sharp objects (like curbs) at high speeds, failure to rotate tires, not regularly correcting wheel balance, mixing different types of tires, aggressive acceleration or braking, irregular tire pressure checks, incorrect tire installation, unbalanced tires, improper alignment, and lack of necessary maintenance. Tire pressure monitoring automatically checks the tire pressure in real-time while driving and alerts the driver to leaks or low pressure to ensure driving safety. There are two main types of tire pressure monitoring: indirect tire pressure monitoring and direct tire pressure monitoring, as well as a hybrid TPMS system.
Tire pressure monitoring indeed helps significantly in avoiding tire blowouts, but only if the driver responds promptly to the alerts. Both underinflation and overinflation increase the risk of a blowout, especially during high temperatures or high-speed driving when tires are more prone to deformation or even rupture. The tire pressure monitoring system continuously tracks changes and alerts you via the dashboard when inflation or adjustment is needed, thereby preventing potential accidents. However, it cannot completely eliminate blowouts, as sudden punctures, damage to the tire sidewalls by sharp objects, or aging issues may still occur. In real-world driving, I’ve personally witnessed cases where ignoring warnings led to blowouts, which is why developing a habit of regular checks is crucial. While this system adds a layer of protection for safer driving, combining it with routine tire inspections and good driving habits minimizes blowout risks the most. I believe all car owners should take this seriously.