How to avoid a tyre blowout

Drivers have been told how to keep tyres in good condition to reduce accidents and save lives as October marks Tyre Safety Month in the UK.

Motoring experts at StressFreeCarRental.com are urging people to check the conditions of their vehicles to prevent serious road incidents leading to casualties.

The most common tyre blowout causes are driving with too low pressure or going over a hard, sharp object.

Overloading a vehicle can cause the temperature in a tyre to rise which can lead to an overheated tyre blowing out even in colder conditions.

Heated air expanding inside tyres can ultimately lead to increased pressure inside potentially leading to tyre failure.

There are simple ways to prevent a blowout, from regularly checking the tyre tread, to packing less into the vehicle whether heading out on holiday or loading the van for the day.

spokesperson from StressFreeCarRental.com said: “With thousands of car journeys happening every day a common mistake is for drivers to forget to monitor their tyre conditions.

“It’s vital for road users to regularly check their tyre pressure and look out for punctures before embarking on a journey.

“The weather only worsens tyre conditions, so it’s important to use these helpful tips to prevent the repercussions of a dreaded tyre blowout.”

Here are five useful tips from StressFreeCarRental.com to avoid a tyre blowout:

1. Check the tyre tread

Any heat, even during autumn and winter, can result in the rubber on tyres becoming softer than usual. This creates more friction on the roads, which can result in over-inflation and eventually tyre blowouts.

2. Regularly look for punctures

Punctures are a common issue for road users – from nails on the road to the problems caused by potholes. Before setting off on a long car ride, always check for any type of puncture and listen to the sound from the tyres when they get moving.

3. Steer from potholes

Keep an eye on the road as potholes can create issues such as tread separation and punctures which can lead to a blowout. Be mindful of other drivers and stay sensible when avoiding them.

4. Monitor your tyre pressure

With the changing temperatures throughout autumn, these conditions can make pressure in tyres increase by 1 to 2 psi for every change of 10°C. Keep on top of checking the pressure, as the large increase in tyre air pressure can cause them to explore.

5. Don’t overload your vehicle

Checking the recommended maximum weight for your vehicle will help avoid potentially catastrophic blowouts as the weight puts more pressure on the tyres and the chassis than they were designed to withstand. If a tyre is underinflated and the vehicle is overloaded then you have a potential double whammy with the risk of a blowout increasing significantly.