Why Do Tires Blow Out on Highways?

[AdelineFitz]

The following are the reasons why car tires may blow out on highways: 1. Low tire pressure: When tire pressure is too low, the wheel's sinking amount increases, radial deformation increases, friction between the tire surface and the ground intensifies, rolling resistance rises, and the internal stress of the tire body also increases. This leads to a sharp rise in tire body temperature, softening of the tire surface rubber, accelerated aging, and localized delamination and increased wear of the tire surface. Under these conditions, if the car continues to drive at high speeds on the highway, these reactions accelerate, significantly increasing the likelihood of a tire blowout. 2. Overinflated tires: To increase the vehicle's load capacity, some drivers prefer to exceed the standard tire pressure during inflation. Unbeknownst to them, this accelerates tire wear, thereby increasing the possibility of a blowout. Excessive tire pressure increases the tension of the tire body cords, hastening the fatigue process. Especially when driving with overinflated tires while overloaded and speeding, the internal stress on the cords increases further, causing rapid temperature rise in the tire, accelerated rubber aging, and decreased fatigue strength. This results in severe wear in the center of the tire surface, sawtooth-like wear on the side tread patterns, and cord layer breakage, leading to tire blowouts.

[SanBrooke]

Once during a long-distance drive, I experienced a tire blowout. Later, after researching, I learned that high-speed tire blowouts often result from a combination of factors. Tire pressure is particularly critical. In summer, road temperatures can reach 60-70 degrees Celsius, and the internal temperature of the tire rises even higher during rolling. If the tire pressure is too low, the sidewall deformation increases, causing faster heat buildup from repeated flexing, and the rubber may eventually fail. On the other hand, if the tire pressure is too high, the tire becomes stiff with poor cushioning, making it prone to blowouts when hitting potholes or bumps. Additionally, failing to check tire conditions before a long trip is risky. Issues like sidewall bulges, aging cracks, or tread wear beyond the safety limit can lead to sudden failures at high speeds. It's also worth mentioning that overloading or driving continuously for extended periods shouldn’t be underestimated—excessive load on the tires causes heat buildup, which can reach a critical point and lead to disaster.

[LeDonovan]

What I fear most on highways is a tire blowout, especially after seeing those nails and metal fragments scattered on the road. At speeds over 100 km/h, even small pebbles can damage the tread, let alone sharp objects that can directly puncture the cord layer. Tire temperature is also a major issue—driving for two hours at noon in summer makes the wheel hubs too hot to touch. Such high temperatures soften the rubber and reduce its strength. If the tire itself has hidden damage, like areas patched more than three times or hardened, aged rubber, a few cycles of thermal expansion and contraction can cause cracks. Another detail many overlook is the sidewall stress during emergency evasive maneuvers when sharply turning the wheel, combined with high-speed centrifugal force, which can also cause uneven stress on the cord layer and lead to ruptures.

[DiJulianna]

To be honest, eight out of ten tire blowouts can be avoided in advance. The other day, I helped my neighbor check his car and found that he was still driving on the highway with completely worn-out tires, which is extremely dangerous. When the tread depth is less than 1.6mm, the tires can't grip the road properly in rainy conditions, and the cooling grooves are also shallow. Tires have a lifespan too—check the manufacturing date marked by the numbers on the sidewall. Even the best tires harden after six years. Also, don't always inflate to the maximum tire pressure. When carrying heavy loads or driving at high speeds, the pressure should be 0.2bar higher than the standard value, but never exceed the maximum limit marked on the tire. If you suddenly notice the steering feels heavy or the car shakes, slow down immediately and pull over to check the tires.