A tyre blowout can be a frightening experience. It can happen suddenly while you’re driving, making the vehicle more difficult to control and creating a serious safety risk.
In this guide, we’ll explain what causes a tyre blowout, the warning signs that could indicate tyre damage, and the simple checks that can help reduce the risk.
Not Sure Your Tyres Are Safe? Get Them Checked
Noticed a bulge, crack, pressure problem or unusual vibration? Martins Tyres offers free tyre and air pressure checks in West End to help spot potential problems before they become more serious.
What Is a Tyre Blowout?
A tyre blowout happens when a tyre suffers a sudden loss of air pressure, usually following a rupture or structural failure. It may be accompanied by a loud bang, changes in steering or handling, and possible damage to the wheel.
Tyre blowouts can happen for several reasons, including incorrect tyre pressure, excessive loads, tyre wear and impact damage. Understanding these causes can help you recognise problems earlier and keep your tyres in a safer condition.
Common Causes of Tyre Blowouts
1. Under-Inflation of Tyres
Under-inflation can increase the risk of a tyre blowout. When a tyre is running below the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure, its sidewalls flex more while driving. This can generate additional heat and place greater stress on the tyre.
The Highway Code advises drivers to keep tyres correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification and to check pressures when the tyres are cold.
If you’re unsure about your pressures, Martins Tyres offers a free tyre pressure check at our West End garage.
For further guidance, see the Highway Code advice on tyre pressure and maintenance.
Pro Tip: If your vehicle has a tyre pressure warning light or you suspect a sensor problem, our TPMS checks and repairs can help identify the issue.
2. Overloading the Vehicle
Another factor that can place excessive stress on tyres is overloading your vehicle. Carrying more weight than the vehicle is designed for increases the load placed on the tyres and can contribute to excessive heat, wear and tyre damage.
Check the maximum authorised mass or other weight limits shown in your vehicle handbook or on the manufacturer’s plate. GOV.UK provides further information on vehicle weight limits and maximum authorised mass.
Avoid exceeding the limits specified for your vehicle, particularly before long journeys or when carrying heavy loads.
3. Worn or Damaged Tyres
Tyres naturally wear over time. As tread becomes worn or the tyre develops cuts, cracks or other damage, it may no longer perform safely.
For cars, light vans and light trailers, UK guidance requires at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference. Tyres should also be free from cuts, bulges and other defects.
You can find more information in the GOV.UK guidance on checking whether your vehicle is safe to drive.
If your tyres are damaged or need replacing, explore our tyre services or contact Martins Tyres for advice.
4. Impact Damage and Potholes
Tyres can also suffer internal or external damage after hitting potholes, debris or kerbs. Even if the damage is not immediately obvious, a hard impact can weaken the tyre and increase the risk of failure later.
Check your tyres after a significant impact and look for visible cuts, bulges or unusual changes in handling. If you are unsure whether a tyre is safe, have it inspected professionally rather than continuing to drive on it.
5. Heat and Existing Tyre Problems
Higher temperatures can place additional stress on tyres, particularly when they are already under-inflated, overloaded, worn or damaged. Heat generated during driving can make an existing tyre problem more serious.
During warmer weather and before long journeys, check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold and inspect them for signs of damage or excessive wear.
How to Detect Signs of a Potential Tyre Problem
You cannot always predict a tyre blowout before it happens, but there are signs that a tyre should be inspected as soon as possible:
- Visible cracks, cuts or bulges: These may indicate damage to the tyre or its internal structure.
- Frequent pressure loss: A tyre that repeatedly loses air could have a puncture, valve problem or other damage.
- Vibration or changes in steering: Unexpected vibration or handling changes can indicate a tyre, wheel or alignment problem.
- Unusual tyre noise: A new thumping or repetitive noise should not be ignored.
If you notice any of these signs, contact Martins Tyres and arrange for the tyre to be checked.
How to Prevent a Tyre Blowout
Reducing the risk of a tyre blowout comes down largely to regular checks, correct tyre pressure and dealing with damage promptly.
- Inspect your tyres regularly: Look for cuts, cracks, bulges and uneven wear.
- Maintain the correct tyre pressure: Follow the pressure specified by your vehicle manufacturer and check tyres when they are cold.
- Avoid overloading: Stay within the vehicle manufacturer’s stated weight limits.
- Replace worn or damaged tyres: Do not continue using tyres that are unsafe or below the legal tread-depth requirement.
- Take care around potholes and kerbs: Avoid impacts where possible and inspect the tyre after a significant hit.
If you are unsure about the condition of your tyres, Martins Tyres can carry out a free tyre and pressure check at our West End garage.
What to Do if You Experience a Tyre Blowout
If a tyre blows while you are driving:
- Keep control of the vehicle: Hold the steering wheel firmly.
- Avoid sudden braking or steering: Allow the vehicle to slow while maintaining control.
- Move to a safe place: Bring the vehicle to a stop at the side of the road or another place of relative safety when possible.
- Get help safely: Only attempt to change a tyre if you can do so without putting yourself or other road users at risk. Otherwise, contact a breakdown or tyre assistance service.
The Highway Code provides further guidance on what to do when a tyre bursts or your vehicle breaks down.
If you need tyre assistance and cannot conveniently bring the vehicle to our garage, take a look at our mobile tyre fitting service.
Keep Your Tyres in Safe Condition
A tyre blowout can happen suddenly, but many of the conditions that increase the risk can be identified through regular checks. Correct pressure, sufficient tread, sensible loading and early attention to damage can all help keep your tyres in better condition.
If you have noticed unusual wear, pressure loss, a bulge or another problem with your tyres, contact Martins Tyres. Our team can inspect your tyres, explain what we find and help you decide whether a repair or replacement is needed.