Commercial Tire Blowouts: Causes and Prevention
Tire blowouts can happen when you least expect them. That’s why it’s important to understand their causes so you can take preventative measures to optimize your fleet performance and fuel efficiency.
Common Causes of Commercial Tire Blowouts
A commercial tire blowout can be extremely dangerous and can cause vehicle damage, injuries and fatalities. Knowing what typically causes a blowout can help you watch for warning signs and prevent hazardous incidents.
Commercial tire blowouts are often caused by:
Underinflation: Poorly inflated tires are the most common cause of tire blowouts. Underinflation creates heat buildup, making tires more susceptible to failure.
Lack of tread: Old or worn tires don’t provide sufficient traction during operation and are easier for sharp objects to puncture.
Excess speeding and braking: Bad driving habits are likely to increase the rate of wear in your commercial tires. Hard braking also contributes to heat buildup in your tires.
Road hazards: Hitting a pothole, curb or debris can compromise the integrity of your tires, especially if you’re hauling a heavy load.
Overloading: Exceeding your tire’s load rating puts unnecessary strain on them and weakens the internal structure.
How Improper Tire Maintenance Increases the Risk of a Blowout
Commercial tires require some TLC to operate effectively. Failing to check your tire pressure during your pre-trip inspection or having your tires rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles can lead to accelerated wear and tear.
It’s also important to take your fleet in for regular maintenance as professional technicians can spot the signs of mechanical issues that could contribute to a tire blowout. They can also address underlying issues you may not have noticed to prevent further damage.
The Effect of Heat and Overloading on Tires
Heat and commercial tires don’t mix as it softens the rubber compounds and expands the air inside the casing. Both those effects can negatively impact a tire’s integrity and increase the chance of a blowout on the road. As heat continues to build up, tires begin to flex. That creates more contact with the road, increasing rolling resistance and fuel consumption. Exceeding tire load capacity also contributes to heat buildup and structural damage. That can result in tread wear and deformation
Preventative Measures to Avoid Tire Blowouts
Here are some tips to reduce your risk of a commercial tire blowout:
- Inspect your tires daily.
- Check tire pressure before and after each trip.
- Rotate your commercial tires regularly.
- Practice defensive driving and avoid road hazards.
- Follow speed limits and avoid excessive braking.
- Schedule comprehensive tire inspections.
What To Do During a Tire Blowout
- Maintain control of your vehicle. Don’t jerk your steering wheel or stomp on your brakes.
- Take your foot off the gas and find a safe spot to get off the road.
- Brake lightly until your vehicle comes to a complete stop.
- Turn on your hazards and keep your distance from traffic.
- Inspect the blowout to determine if you require emergency roadside assistance.
Bauer Built Commercial Tire Roadside Assistance
When the unexpected occurs on a run, there’s Bauer Built’s emergency roadside service. We can fix blowouts, flats, punctures, alignment issues, stuck lug nuts and tire pressure monitoring issues. If you’re within 30 miles of one of our locations, we can get you back on the road in less than two hours. Contact us to learn more.
Categories: Bauer Built Blog