What are the causes of tire blowouts on highways?
3 Answers
Highway tire blowouts can be caused by: 1. Overly tight brakes: Drivers often adjust the brakes too tightly before long-distance trips, which can cause the brake pads to overheat due to friction during driving, leading to a blowout. 2. Underinflated tires: Some vehicles have underinflated tires before entering the highway, causing prolonged friction with the ground and overheating, which can result in a blowout. 3. Overly tight front tire brakes: If the front tire brakes are adjusted too tightly, when the driver brakes in an emergency, the massive inertia-generated impact will concentrate on the overly tight tire, making it prone to a blowout. 4. Inaccurate brake adjustment: If the brakes on both sides of the vehicle are uneven—one side tight and the other loose—it can create a situation where one side experiences friction while the other does not, generating high temperatures and overheating, which can also cause a blowout.
Back when I was doing long-haul trucking, I witnessed many tragic high-speed tire blowouts firsthand. Based on my experience, most were caused by improper tire pressure. If the pressure is too low, the tire sidewalls rub and overheat during high-speed turns, making them prone to tearing. Excessive pressure can also cause blowouts on hot road surfaces. Additionally, bald treads or aged/bubbled tires generate excessive heat from high-speed friction, accelerating expansion and rupture. Overloading is especially dangerous as it drastically increases internal tire pressure. For prevention? I strongly recommend checking tire pressure before highway trips - measure accurately when tires are cold, don't trust old dashboard gauges. Carry a spare tire and air pump for emergencies. If a blowout occurs, never slam the brakes - firmly grip the steering wheel and gradually slow down to pull over. For safety, replace tires every five years as routine maintenance.
Running an auto repair shop, we frequently deal with high-speed tire blowout accidents, which stem from various causes but commonly involve tire issues. For instance, aging tires develop excessive cracks, and exposure to wind and sunlight at high speeds accelerates rubber degradation; hitting potholes or metal debris punctures the tread; overinflation leads to uncontrolled expansion in hot weather. Another hidden danger is wheel rim deformation or improper installation, causing fatigue cracks due to high-speed vibrations. A reminder to everyone: check the tire manufacturing date during maintenance—replace if over five years old; avoid cheap used tires, as safety comes first. If you notice abnormal vibrations or noises, pull over to inspect and prevent accidents. Annual tire balancing is also crucial.
