3 ways to prevent accidents from tire blowouts

 Posted on August 20, 2018 in Firm News

When you think about car accidents in Illinois, a number of factors might come to mind. Distracted driving, reckless drivers and intoxication are all common culprits in motor vehicle accidents. You might not think about tires as a potential cause of a collision, but, in fact, they contribute to several crashes every year. This is especially true when something causes a tire to blow out in the middle of the road.

According to the Belleville News-Democrat, this was true for one Illinois driver whose tire blowout caused a fatal accident. If you want to stay safe on the road, pay attention to the following tips for avoiding tire blowouts and the accidents that can often result from such incidents: 

Be aware of seasons

It is often said that warmer weather increases the likelihood of tire blowouts. Between the months of May and October, when late summer heat is at its peak, you may indeed be more vulnerable to tire failure than in other parts of the year. This is because the heat causes the air in tires to expand. Be mindful of this, and be sure to keep an eye on your tires. 

Check tire pressure

Regardless of the season, improper tire pressure can make your tires more prone to blowout and put you at risk of an accident. Experts suggest that you check the pressure of your tires at least once every month, but many drivers do this rarely, if ever. Most vehicles' tires should be kept at a PSI between 30 and 35, so if yours exceed this range, it is a good idea to make an adjustment.

Perform maintenance

Tire pressure is not the only cause of blowouts; routine wear and tear can cause tires to blow out, too. It is important to pay attention to the tread and overall condition of tires. As you continually drive, you wear down the walls of your tires, and this makes them more susceptible to blowout if they are not maintained and replaced as necessary.