Tyre bursts are hands down one of the most frightening experiences one can go through. It's a situation where the tyre almost explodes due to rapid loss of pressurised air.
Tyre bursts happen because the structural integrity of the tyre gets compromised and it is unable to hold all that air inside. If you ever witness one, you would have noticed that it takes mere seconds for the tyre to get obliterated into pieces.
Tyre bursts are dangerous no doubt. People lose control of their cars, panic and eventually a tyre burst leads to a lot worse. But what is the best way you can make sure that you never have to come across any such circumstances? The answer is precaution.
The list below mentions the most common causes of tyre bursts which probably cover about 99% of the cases that happen. All you need to do is understand these and then make sure you make the right decisions when it comes to your tyres.
So here goes:
Using second-hand low-grade tyres
The first and most important reason behind tyre bursts - using tyres that are worn out and not up to the mark in terms of quality. This is especially true for a country like India where there is a huge market for second hand, old tyres that are bought by people just to save some money. Never ever compromise on the quality and integrity of your tyres. Saving your life is more important than saving a little cash.
High temperatures
Tyres that are running on high temperatures are extremely susceptible to blowouts. As temperatures rise beyond a certain point, the tyres lose their solidity and the air inside the tyre begins to expand. Beyond a certain temperature, even small external forces like jolts or bumps that compress the tyre can make it pop like a balloon. Driving a vehicle at high speeds, under-inflation and using tyres beyond their tread limit are some of the circumstances where your tyre is more susceptible to heat from both the inside as well as outside.
Driving over the speed rating
The speed rating of the tyre is the maximum speed it could handle in testing. Going over that speed for a prolonged time can easily cause a blowout. We recommend that you never go over the prescribed speed rating for your tyres. Your tyres are built to handle a certain speed and beyond that, the rubber and the structure simply fails. Find the speed rating in the tyre sequence and follow it judiciously.
Stunts and reckless driving
Burnouts, drifts, wheelies are extremely cool but they can also be very dangerous if you don't look after your tyres. If you do use your car/ bike for such stunts, you have to be a hundred times more careful about your tyres. Performing such stunts leaves your tyres weakened, worn out and damaged. In many cases, you might not even come to know until it's too late and they might fail you when you're least expecting things to go wrong. So it is important that you regularly and thoroughly inspect your tyres if you're into such things.
Furthermore, stunts should only be performed in controlled conditions and away from public places. Always wear proper safety gear and take the necessary precautions.
Also See: The Importance Of Tread Depth
Overinflation or Underinflation
Too less or too high an air pressure can also cause blowouts. While overinflated tyres are at risk from potholes or external shocks, low-pressure tyres are at risk as they lose their shape and the contact patch becomes larger. This causes more friction which leads to overheating of the rubber as well as the air inside. The rubber eventually weakens due to the heat as the air continues to expand which leads to the burst. Make sure to check your tyre pressures regularly and drive according to the speed rating of the tyre to reduce the chances of a tyre burst.
A bad collision
A bad collision or a lot of force on your tyres can easily lead to a tyre burst. These are situations where the tyre is compressed into a burst due to a high external impact caused by a pothole, accident or a collision with the curb. The force will cause the tyre to contract so much that it simply pops like a balloon. Driving over a particularly nasty pothole, hitting the curb, or going over a rock, especially at speed, can cause an immediate tyre blowout due to the impact alone.
Overloading your tyres
Overloading, when coupled with low tyre pressure, is another factor that can lead to a tyre burst. Every tyre has a load index which signifies the maximum load it can take. If your tyres are underinflated and this load index is not respected, you are bound to suffer a tyre burst. This is commonly observed in trucks and commercial transport vehicle that carry heavy loads and overload their trucks. Make sure you are aware of your tyre's maximum load capacity and don't go over it to reduce the risk of a blowout.
