To start with, you must be up to date with your routine checks and maintenance. Also, keep a regular check on your car tyres and see any odd tyre wear pattern discrepancies. Regular vigilance and observation is the key to reduce the risk of flat tyres.

Some odd driving behaviours also contribute to the increased risk of blowouts, so always keep yourself updated with the government advisories and driving tutorials. The risk cannot be completely avoided, but the damage can be reduced by initiating the safety protocol. 

Therefore, read about the safety measure during a blowout situation to ensure passengers’ safety. You must also carry a spare tyre with you at all times to replace any such tyre that seems damaged or affected and save yourself in advance. Here are some more simple tips that can reduce the chances of a tyre blowout. 

Avoid underinflation 

Underinflated tyres are one of the leading causes of a blowout. When the tyres are low on pressure, the rubber contact with the surface increases, this increased contact enhances the frictional force application on the tyres, and they start overheating. Once the temperature reaches a saturation point, the outer wall bursts; therefore, always keep the tyre pressure at the vehicle’s recommended level. 

The recommended pressure value is provided in the owner’s manual and on the driver’s door. Also, keep your pressure gauge and do not rely on the petrol pump’s readings. Additionally, please do not wait for an alarm from the pressure monitoring system because it engages only when the pressure is critically low. Keep a weekly check on the tyre pressure, and do not let it run low.

Do not breach the speed and load rating

A tyre’s speed and load rating refer to the maximum pressure that the tyre can take. The ratings are mentioned on the sidewalls; go through them diligently before setting on a long drive. Do not overload the car tyres because it exerts exorbitant pressure on them and overheats them. Similarly, keep well within the speed rating and do not test your tyre’s maximum performance. 

Buy Run-Flat tyres

Premium tyre brands improve the tyre’s safety and handling by introducing new and sustainable technologies. One such development in this area is the run-flat tyres which provide an added layer of protection against blowouts and maintain vehicle stability. These tyres have either reinforced sidewalls or hard rubber rings around the inner walls to support when the tyres go flat. 

These tyres can easily run at 60-80 kmph and can go up to 80 km. This will give you a chance to visit a nearby garage and replace the tyres. Also, these tyres are recommended only when your vehicle has a pressure monitoring system. Otherwise, you won’t know that you are running on flat tyres. 

Take short breaks

When on long drives, make it a point to take short breaks every 120-130 km to give your tyres a chance to cool down. Also, once the cheap tyres fitted are normal, take the pressure reading to ensure that they are properly inflated. Please do not take the pressure readings when the tyres are heated up because they will give you a distorted measurement.

Avoid risky overtakes

When on newly constructed roads, avoid sand and debris patches that are found at the extreme corners. Sometimes, when we are driving on a narrow road, there is limited overtaking space. If you have to go through any sand patches during overtakes, abort the mission. These sand and debris patches can have glass pieces, nails, metal shards etc., which are detrimental for tyres and can lead to blowouts.

Avoid Driving Near Construction Sites

The construction sites are full of hazardous substances such as metal shards, glass pieces etc., and these sharp objects are scattered all over the place, which increases the risk of a tyre blowout. Therefore, if there is construction going on in your regular route, change it for the time being because one minor convenience is always better than getting stuck with a flat tyre.

Also, if you have to go through the site compulsorily, park your car at a safe distance and visit the site on foot. 

Conclusion

The odds of tyre blowouts can be exponentially reduced if you are aware and take all the necessary precautions. But, even if the minor chance of a flat tyre comes true, you must be prepared to handle the vehicle to avoid it from tipping over on one side.

 Also, try to keep within the safe speed limits because handling an out of control vehicle at 100 kmph is relatively easier than handling it at 130-140 kmph. Remember, the higher the speed, the slimmer the survival chances. Additionally, keep your spare tyre ready and properly inflated for quick replacement and a safe drive to the garage.