A tire blowout is a frightening experience. There was a loud noise that you don’t expect, followed by decreased performance by your vehicle. Depending on the driving conditions at the time the blowout occurs, a driver could completely lose control of their vehicle.
Heat from the pavement is often a major contributing factor to tire blowouts when they do occur, so you will be at elevated risk for a blowout when you drive through the desert in the summer, as well everyone else on the road with you.
How do you protect yourself from a possible blowout on your next long daytime drive?
Keep your tires in decent repair
The most effective way to prevent a blowout is to ensure that your tires are in good condition. The more worn the tread on your tires has become, the more susceptible the tire may be to suddenly failing as you drive.
Underinflated tires are another risk factor. When your tire shifts on the rim significantly because of inadequate air pressure, that may increase the risk of a blowout. Finally, having more weight in your vehicle than your tires can safely manage will also increase your risk. Keeping the weight of your vehicle at an appropriate level and monitoring the condition of your tires will go a long way toward preventing a blowout.
Give other drivers plenty of space
While you can keep your own tires in good repair, you have no control over what the person next to you in traffic does with their vehicle. Especially if you notice a vehicle in poor condition close to you, you may want to slow down to give them more space or change your route so that you won’t be at risk if their tire blows out and they lose control of their vehicle.
When blowouts do occur, they may give rise to insurance claims or civil lawsuits. If someone else loses control of their vehicle and hits you, you may be able to file an insurance claim aim. In some cases, you may have grounds for a third-party liability lawsuit, such as when there was a defect in the tire that led to the blowout.
Learning more about safety rules for driving in the hot California summer will protect you from motor vehicle crashes and help you handle a collision better if one does happen.