What Causes Tyre Blowouts and How to Prevent Them During Highway Drives

Deflation of a tyre is one of the most hazardous and unexpected incidents, and it occurs, particularly on highways where vehicles are travelling at high speed. One second, everything is fine. Then, there’s a loud pop, your steering wheel snaps, and your car becomes ungovernable from then on.

Blowouts can result in dangerous collisions, particularly when the driver is frightened or unsure of what to do. Thankfully, the majority of tyre failures are avoidable. You can dramatically lower your risk, however, by knowing the reasons why it happens and by taking certain precautions.

So, whether it’s when you’re checking your wheel alignment and balancing price ahead of your trip, or through monitoring your tyre condition, we’re going to detail what causes blowouts and how travellers can avoid them, especially when travelling a long distance.

What Is a Tyre Blowout?

It’s called a “tyre blowout” when the tyre quickly loses air pressure and breaks apart. A blowout occurs quickly and is significantly worse than a flat tyre or a long puncture. It often results in the tyre separating from the wheel or collapsing entirely under the vehicle’s weight.
Blowouts are particularly hazardous at high speeds because they instantly reduce control over the vehicle, making it more difficult to steer or brake effectively.

Common Causes of Tyre Blowouts

To prevent blowouts, you must understand what causes them. Here are the most common reasons tyres fail catastrophically:

1. Underinflation

   The main reason tyres blow out is that they have lost too much air. Your tyres will have more contact with the road if you don’t inflate them enough.

   This, in turn, generates excess heat, friction, and stress on the sidewalls, leading to the tyre bursting.

   Highway Risk: Tyres flex more at higher speeds. Tyres that are too soft can get too hot and blow up.

   Solution: Inspect the state of the roads before embarking on a long trip. Use pressure values recommended by your vehicle maker, not those marked on your tyre’s sidewall.

2. Overloading the Vehicle

   All vehicles and tyres have a loading capacity. If you exceed that by taking excessive luggage, towing, and/or loading more than the vehicle’s maximum load capacity, you are adding more stress on the tyres.

   Blowouts are more likely to occur in overloaded tyres because there is increased wear and tear on the internal structure.

   |Highway Risk: The additional stress exacerbates the issue at steady highway speeds, as heat builds up more rapidly.

   Solution: Avoid overtaxing your vehicle. This one can be solved by consulting the label on the inside edge of the driver’s side door or your owner’s manual. Ensure that the weight is distributed properly and don’t carry more than you need.

3. Tyre Damage or Punctures

   Additionally, an old or poorly repaired tyre is more likely to fail. This unseen damage from punctures, curbs, or potholes can weaken the tyre over time. Tiny punctures that are not properly repaired can grow under pressure, particularly at higher speeds, and will just suddenly blow out.

   The fix: Check your tyres for cuts, lumps in the tread, or foreign objects. Change or have repaired tyres that have been damaged – never leave a slow leak.

4. Old or Worn-Out tyres

   Tyres also deteriorate over time, regardless of whether they’ve reached their mileage limit. The rubber loses its elasticity, gets stiff, and cracks, raising the possibility of an unexpected failure.

   The depth of the tread is also essential, as shallow treads are more susceptible to overheating and reduced grip, especially on a hot highway.

   When the tread depth is less than 2 mm or after six years of use, the skin should be replaced. You can tell when the barrier was built by looking at its dot number.

5. High Temperatures

   While driving, tyres heat up, but a hot road surface, especially during Indian summers, can heat them further, in a faster fashion. Add to that long road trips, high rates of speed, and an underinflated tyre, and you’ve got the recipe for tyre failure.

   Solution: To let the tyres cool, stop every two hours when traveling for extended periods or during the summer.If possible, avoid driving during busy times.

6. Manufacturing Defects

   Although it doesn’t happen frequently, manufacturing defects might occasionally result in tyres failing unexpectedly. Poor-quality materials or errors during construction can weaken the tyre structure.

   Solution: Only purchase tyres from respectable retailers who have the necessary licences. Verify that they have the appropriate licences and documentation.

   Planning a long highway drive? Have your tyres checked, balanced, and pressure checked by TyreHub experts before you even hit the road. It’s a matter of a few minutes’ investment to save a lot of money and nuisance.

Warning Signs Before a Blowout

Blowouts may feel sudden, but there are usually signs that something’s wrong. You know what to look for:

• Unusual steering wheel or seat vibration
• Bulging sidewalls
• Tyres that frequently lose air
• pavement or tread block cracks
• Tyres are overheating to the touch after driving

The chance of a blowout rises if these indications are ignored, especially when travelling at high speeds.

What to Do If a Blowout Happens?

Despite best efforts, a blowout can still occur. Knowing how to protect yourself could be helpful.

1. Stay Calm
   Don’t panic or jerk the steering wheel. Most accidents happen when drivers overreact.
2. Hold the Steering Wheel Firmly
   You need to use both hands to hold onto the steering wheel as the car moves back and forth.
3. Avoid Braking Suddenly
   Otherwise, breaking hard may make your car spin. Let the car slow down.
4. Ease Off the Accelerator
   Slow down and push down on the gas. Shift to a lower gear if necessary.
5. Steer Smoothly to the Shoulder
   When the car comes to a complete stop, carefully move it to a safe spot on the shoulder.
6. Turn on Hazard Lights
   Signal to other cars that you need help immediately.

Tips to Avoid Tyre Blowouts on the Highway

Attempting to control a blowout is far more costly and difficult than preventing one. Here’s a complete prevention checklist for your next trip down the highway:

1. Check Tyre Pressure Cold
   Make sure the tyres are cold before you go. Add this to your pre-drive to-do list. Keep a trustworthy digital gauge handy at all times, and fill the wheels to the pressure indicated on the driver’s door frame or in the owner’s manual.
2. Inspect Tyre Condition
   

   Look for:

   • Cuts, cracks, or embedded objects
   • Uneven wear
   • Sidewall bulges
3. Rotate and Balance Regularly
   Every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers, the tyres should be rotated to ensure they wear evenly. Balancing wheels prevents shocks and extends their life.
4. Check Alignment
   The weight of tyres may not be distributed evenly due to misalignment. If your car pulls to one side or hits, or just feels awkward when you steer or drive, have it checked before you return to the road.
5. Avoid Overloading
   Stay within the load limits of your automobile. Heavy loads cook the tyres and work the sidewalls.
6. Slow Down Over Rough Patches
   Watch for potholes, construction debris, and other hazards such as sharp objects. Hitting a road hazard at high speed is one of the fastest ways to destroy a tyre.
7. Replace Ageing Tyres on Time
   Old tyres may be unsafe, even if the tread is still in good condition. Change tyres that are 6–7 years old, and specifically if you drive more on highways.

Conclusion

Blowouts are a frightening phenomenon, but they rarely need to occur. With well-inflated tyres that are checked for wear signs and are road-trip ready, most of the risks will be mitigated. The key is consistency. A few small checks can quickly add up to safer trips and a longer life for your tyres.

Whether you visit a reputable tyre shop in Motera or buy tyres online, use all your knowledge to maintain proper health for those tyres and ensure they perform well on highways, thereby relieving your anxiety during prolonged drives.

Not sure whether your tyres are up to scratch for Highway use? Book a TyreHub quick check or fitting immediately. Our team of industry experts provides support for all types of drivers, from beginners to advanced, including seniors, to help them achieve a longer, safer, and healthier driving life.