Why Do Car Tires Burst?
2 Answers
Car tires burst for the following reasons: Low tire pressure: Some drivers, fearing "tire bursts," often fail to inflate tires to standard pressure, which is completely wrong. When tire pressure is too low, the wheel's sinking amount increases, radial deformation enlarges, friction between the tread and ground intensifies, rolling resistance rises, and internal stress in the tire body also increases. This causes a sharp temperature rise in the tire body, softening the tread rubber and accelerating aging, leading to localized delamination and aggravated tread wear. Overinflated tires: To increase vehicle load capacity, some drivers prefer inflating tires beyond standard pressure. Unaware that this accelerates tire wear and increases the likelihood of tire bursts. Excessive pressure raises tension in the tire body's cord layers, hastening cord fatigue - especially when combined with overloaded and overspeed driving. This further increases cord internal stress, rapidly elevates tire temperature, accelerates rubber aging, and reduces fatigue strength. These conditions cause severe central tread wear, sawtooth-shaped sidewall pattern wear, and cord layer fractures - all factors leading to tire bursts.
I used to be a long-haul truck driver and have experienced tire blowouts several times. Most of the time, it was due to the tires being too old and worn out, with severe tread wear, or improperly adjusted tire pressure. During hot summer days on the highway, the internal temperature of the tires gets too high, making them prone to bulging and bursting. Sometimes, sharp objects like nails or broken glass on the road can puncture the tire directly. Another reason is overloading the vehicle, which puts excessive pressure on the tires, making them unable to withstand potholes or rough roads. To prevent accidents, I developed a habit of checking the tire pressure with a gauge every few months to ensure it meets the manufacturer's specifications. I also regularly inspect the tread depth and replace the tires immediately if they are severely worn, which significantly reduces the risk. When driving daily, I pay close attention to road conditions and avoid areas with debris, prioritizing safety above all.
