If
you are observant while plying the roads especially highways, you will observe
that the roads are littered with small and large particles of tattered tires. That
is Tire Blowouts. Tire blowout does not only constitute inconveniences, it endangers
both the occupants of the vehicle and other road users. Below are few tips that
can assist you understand why tire blowouts occur, what to do when it occurs and
how to prevent it from occurring.
Why Do Tires Blow Up? – Tires
blowout occur mostly during hot seasons. The contributory factors to tire
blowouts are: hot weather, long-distance
travel, heavily loaded vehicles and high-speed driving.
Under Inflation – When your tires have less air than
recommended by the manufacturer, the rubber will flex more than it needs to and
overheat as a result. This will make your tire weaker and more prone to
blowouts.
Over Inflation – Exceeding the
manufacturer's optimum tire pressure could lead to tires wearing
out prematurely, can cause loss of traction and
creates a harsher ride. Overinflated tires provide a bumpier
ride, so you will feel every dip in the road and could eventual lead to tire
blow up. For safety reasons, never exceed the maximum tire pressure embossed on
the sidewall of the tire
Overloading – The more
weight your car carries, the more stressed your tires are. And they may already
be fairly worn out. At this point, even a minor change in the normal vehicle
load may trigger a tire blowout.
Reckless Driving – driving habits play a major role in the likelihood of one of
your tires blowing up. If you are a reckless driver that is not careful to
avoid potholes or gently parking the vehicle without hitting the restriction, then
you are gradually destroying the tires. Coupled with high speed, you run the risk
of puncturing your tire while going over pothole.
What to Do if You Tire Blows Up - If one of your tires suddenly blows up, you will typically
hear a loud boom. You may feel your vehicle slow down and start pulling toward
the side of the failed tire. A tire blowout in a middle of heavy traffic can
easily lead to an accident and even a fatality. To prevent this, follow these
tips to stay safe:
- Don’t bang on
breaks or rapidly turn the steering.
- Press the accelerator
lightly to propel your car forward.
- Then take your
foot off the accelerator and allow the car to decelerate slowly.
- Turn on your
hazard lights when you get a chance.
- Keep a firm grip
on the steering wheel and keep the vehicle in your lane.
- Find a safe spot
to pull over.
- Allow your car to
naturally stop or use brakes lightly as needed.
- Replace with your
spare and drive to where you can buy a replacement.
bear
in mind that spare tire is not made for long-distance high-speed driving.
Preventing Tire Blowouts – To
prevent tire blowouts, keep up with your tire maintenance, especially the tire
pressures. Checking the conditions of your tires regularly will help you to identify
problems early and rectify them. It takes few minutes to adjust tires pressures
and that can save you from serious accident or being stranded on the highway.
Remain Safe, Sound & Secured
Prince Aloy Anyanwu
The Helper of your Joy
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