Should You Replace One or All Tires When a Rear Tire Blows Out?
2 Answers
If a tire blowout occurs on a new car, replacing just one tire is acceptable because the tread on the new tires hasn't worn significantly, so it won't greatly affect the vehicle's stability. However, if the vehicle has already traveled tens of thousands of kilometers and one tire blows out, it's best to replace both tires on the same axle. Causes of tire blowouts include: 1. Tire Leakage: When punctured by a nail or other sharp object without immediate rupture, the tire may slowly leak air, eventually leading to a blowout. 2. Overinflated Tires: At high speeds, tire temperature and pressure rise, causing deformation and reduced elasticity. Increased dynamic load and impacts can lead to internal cracks or blowouts, which is why blowouts are more common in summer. 3. Underinflated Tires: At high speeds (over 120 km/h), insufficient tire pressure can cause 'harmonic vibration,' generating strong resonant forces. Weak or damaged tires are more prone to blowouts. Low pressure also increases tire deflection, making sidewalls more likely to contact the ground during sharp turns—sidewalls being the weakest part of a tire. 4. Worn-Out Tires: Over time, severe tread wear (bald spots or uneven 'weak spots') makes tires unable to withstand the high pressure and heat of high-speed driving, leading to blowouts.
If my car's rear tire blows out, I pay special attention to safety. Because I've encountered a similar situation before where I only replaced the damaged tire, only to find the other tires severely worn within days, causing the car to feel unstable and drift at high speeds. Therefore, I make it a habit to thoroughly check the tread depth and wear uniformity of all tires first. If the wear difference exceeds 2 millimeters or the tires are already five or six years old, I prefer to replace them all at once. This ensures safer and more balanced driving while reducing the risk of another blowout. I also consult professional auto repair technicians who use instruments to measure and provide clear recommendations. The key is to match the tire brand and size to avoid affecting handling due to mixing old and new tires. Regular tire maintenance is crucial, so I check them every six months—it saves both money and hassle.
