Summer Blowout


This is one blowout you do want to miss. With the summer’s blistering heat you want to make sure your tires are in good condition and are inflated properly so you don’t end up with a blowout on the road. Blowouts are very dangerous and could result in a very serious accident. During summer months, thick strips of tire treads can be seen scattered all over highways, proof of the many tire failures around this time of year. Many are caused by tire separation. The separation precedes the blowout, and they just explode with very little warning.


First it’s important to understand your tires. Your tires are always working. While you’re driving your tires handle steering, moving the car, cushion the ride for passengers as well as grip the road. A tire is made up of:
• a wire-based bundle, which gives the tire its structural strength
• an inner liner which seals in air
• rubber tread that provides traction
• weights attached to the rims that maintain balance and ensure a smooth ride and even wear
• belts that help resist puncture and create a flat surface for the tire to roll on


To make sure you don’t end up with a blowout it is important to have your tire pressure checked regularly with a pressure gauge, usually about once a month. Make sure to check the tires when they’re cold to get an accurate reading. Low air pressure can cause the tire to heat up abnormally, a major cause of tire failure.


It is also important to keep an eye on your tread depth. Each one of your tires wear differently due to its position and the type of car you drive. If your car is misaligned your tires may wear unevenly which can seriously impair vehicle handling. Once the tread depth reaches 1/16th of an inch it must be replaced. A quick way to see if you have sufficient tread on your tires is to insert a penny into the tread. Place the penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see Abe’s head, it’s time to replace your tires.


Another way to ensure the life of your tire and to avoid a blowout is to have your tires rotated. Your owner's manual should specify the proper rotation pattern and schedule for your vehicle, but a good rule of thumb is to rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Unbalanced tires can cause vibration, which can lead to premature and unequal tire wear. Tire balance should be checked at the first sign of vibration.


Among maintaining the condition of your tires, it also necessary to be prepared on how to react during a blowout. Some blowouts turn into fatal accidents because the driver overreacts and is not prepared. Most people’s first reaction is to slam on the brakes and swerve. Slamming on the brakes may cause your vehicle to go sideways because the blown tire doesn’t have any traction. The best thing to do is to gently hit the brake and come to a slow stop.


Tires perform a lot of important tasks so it’s imperative to make sure they’re in good condition. You don’t want your tire tread to be the ones people are swerving around on the road. By keeping your tires properly inflated, having proper tread depth, and having your tires rotated you can help to avoid a blowout on the road.