The vast majority of blowouts are preventable. A tyre rarely bursts without warning, the conditions usually build up over time. Knowing the causes lets you stop one happening, especially before fast, hot or heavily loaded journeys.
The main causes
- Under-inflation. The biggest single cause. A soft tyre flexes and overheats until the structure fails. Check pressures monthly.
- Worn or aged tyres. Low tread and perished rubber are far more likely to let go.
- Overloading. Exceeding the load rating or not using laden pressures on a full car.
- Impact and hidden damage. Potholes and kerbs can cause an internal bulge that fails later.
- Heat and speed. Long, fast summer drives push a marginal tyre over the edge, see summer tyre care.
How to prevent a blowout
- Check pressures monthly and before long trips, when cold.
- Inspect tread with the 20p test and look for cracks and bulges.
- Don't overload, and use the laden pressure for a full car.
- Replace tyres that are old, worn or damaged before they fail.
- Take breaks on long drives to let tyres cool and to spot issues.
If it happens anyway
Know what to do in a blowout, don't brake hard, keep straight, ease off and steer to safety. Then call for help rather than risking a roadside change.
We replace burst tyres at your location
Our burst tyre service comes to you across London and Birmingham, day or night, with a replacement fitted on the spot. Book a rescue.
