No one likes coming out to their vehicle to discover that one of their tires is flat. But as frustrating as that can be, having a tire blowout while you’re driving is much worse. A tire blowout isn’t just scary; it’s dangerous. Tire blowouts cause over 78,000 accidents and over 400 deaths every year.

The good news is many (if not most) tire blowouts can be avoided if you properly take care of your vehicle and drive safely on the road. While accidents can still happen, knowing the most common causes of tire blowouts and actively taking steps to avoid them can help keep everyone a little safer.

Sharp Objects

Rolling over a nail or another sharp object when you’re pulling into your driveway will likely result in a slow, steady leak from your tire. Hitting that same object while you’re going full speed down the highway could rip your tire open. Whenever you see any debris or foreign objects on the road ahead, do your best to safely avoid it.

Even if it looks small and insignificant, it can still pose a serious threat to your tires.

Brute Force

As with debris, you should avoid potholes whenever possible. If it’s not possible to completely avoid it, slow down as much as possible. Hitting the edge of a pothole or the lip of a new road at high speeds can cause your tires to burst.

You should also be mindful of the sides of your tires. They’re more sensitive than the treads. Rubbing against a curb while you’re still driving could do more than scratch your rims. It could cause a blowout.

Improper Air Levels

Maintaining proper air pressure in your tires is one of the simplest steps of car care there is. Despite its simplicity, it actually has a significant impact on your car’s overall performance. Proper air pressure results in smoother driving, better handling, improved MPG, and more.

It also helps your tires last longer.

When tire pressure is too low, the sides of your tire flex too much, eventually causing them to crack and break. Too much pressure can also be hard on your tires. Maintaining the correct air levels will result in better driving and less chance of a blowout.

Worn Out Tires

When a trustworthy mechanic tells you that you need new tires, it’s not because they’re trying to make money off of you. It’s because old, worn tires are dangerous. They lack proper traction, especially when the roads are wet, and they’re much more susceptible to blowouts.

Don’t wait until your tire finally breaks. Check the tread and change them when they need to be changed. By doing so, you just might save a life. Just make sure you replace them with quality tires. At Zima Automotive, we primarily offer Cooper Tires. They come with a 45-day guarantee, and they’re American made. That means the cost of the tire goes towards the quality of the build, not the cost of shipping from overseas.

We provide a wide array of tires for virtually every vehicle on the road. For the best tires available in Springfield, Ohio, contact Zima Automotive today!