Handy tips on avoiding tyre bursts and what to do in case it does!

In the Middle East, where bone-melting hot weather is completely normal, the chance of a tyre-burst during driving is higher than anywhere else. When speeding on well-maintained roads, the chances of fatality becomes all the more higher.

When a tyre bursts, the driver loses control of the vehicle and it crashes. Tyre bursts are a major cause of high-speed accidents and consequent road deaths.

Here’re some of the reasons why tyres burst and some tips on how to prevent them.

Why does a tyre burst?

1. Underinflation is one major cause. The sidewalls of an underinflated tyre flex. This weakens its structure and adds to the heat tyres have to endure, together causing it to burst.

2. Damaged tyres (with sidewall cuts and bulges) can’t be run on high speed. It increases stress on failure points, causing bursts. Worn out/bald tyres also lead to overheating at high speeds.

3. Overspeeding is another cause of tyre bursts. Every tyre has a speed rating that should be adhered to. Overspeeding drastically reduces tyre life.

4. Overloading is another major cause. As a result, a tyre’s sidewalls undergo a lot of stress through flexing. This weakens the tyre, leading to bursts.

5. Roads, especially concrete ones, can get very hot in summers. High speed driving on such roads is an invitation to disaster as tyres may not be able to dissipate heat fast. As a result, tyres get overheated and burst.

How do you prevent tyre bursts?

1. Well-maintained tyres save lives. Ensure yours are in good shape. Tread depth must be at an optimum/safe level. There shouldn’t be bulges or cuts on sidewalls. A tyre’s life is about 6 years. Older tyres should be replaced, irrespective of how much they’ve run.

2. Maintain correct air pressure. Crucially, get air pressure checked when the tyre is cold, which means after covering less than 3 to 5km from a cold start. Check air pressure regularly.

3. Don’t overspeed.

4. Don’t overload your car.

5. Don’t buy poor quality tyres just to save money. Obscure brands are best avoided.

6. Drive in the middle or right lane. This gives you more space to maneuver in case of a tyre burst.

7. While driving on highways, try to take breaks as it helps tyres to cool down.

What should you do in case of tyre bursts?

1. Do not brake hard. This may sound counter-intuitive, but hard braking further destabilises the car, especially when it’s driving only on 3 wheels. Don’t touch the brake until you’ve established steering control.

2. If you’re on a straight road, hold on tightly to the steering wheel and allow the car to coast to a stop. The idea is to keep the car as stable as possible.

3. If you’ve a curve approaching, steer in the opposite direction as a car with a burst tyre generally pulls to one side of the road. However, it should be gradual and brakes shouldn’t be touched until steering control is regained.

4. All your inputs — accelerator, brake or steering — must be gradual in this high-pressure situation. Large steering and braking inputs will only cause the car to go out of control. Driving experience and a calm mind certainly helps.

Courtesy: cartoq.com