Can Vehicle Overloading Cause Tire Blowouts?
2 Answers
Vehicle overloading can indeed cause tire blowouts. Here is additional information: Consequences: Any tire has the potential to burst due to operational reasons, road conditions, accidents, etc. Overloading a vehicle or uneven loading increases the weight on the tires, leading to greater deformation on the same axle and same side, which makes blowouts more likely. It is particularly common for two tires on the same side to burst simultaneously. Unbalanced wheels can cause high-frequency wobbling at high speeds, resulting in uneven tire wear and compromising driving safety. Latest regulations on penalties for vehicle overloading: For passenger vehicles, driving an operational passenger vehicle (excluding buses) or school bus with more than 20% over the permitted passenger capacity will result in a 12-point deduction. Driving an operational passenger vehicle (excluding buses) or school bus with overloading below 20%, or driving any other passenger vehicle with more than 20% over the permitted capacity will result in a 6-point deduction.
As a truck driver with over a decade of experience, I can tell you that overloading and overcrowding definitely increase the risk of tire blowouts. Think of tires like the soles of your feet—they have limited load-bearing capacity. When overloaded, rolling friction increases, tire pressure rises, and internal heat builds up. Prolonged stress accelerates rubber aging, causing bubbles or delamination. Add potholes to the mix, and a single bump can trigger a blowout. Once, I overloaded my cargo by 10%, and a rear tire blew out on the highway—luckily, no accident happened. My advice: don’t overload with people or goods, check tire pressure at least monthly, and replace tires promptly. Safety first!
