By the Rims & Tires Team
Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-24
A tire blowout at highway speed is one of the most dangerous things that can happen in a car. It is also largely preventable. Understanding why blowouts happen and taking a few routine maintenance steps eliminates the vast majority of blowout risk.
What causes tire blowouts
Underinflation is the primary cause of tire blowouts, and NHTSA identifies it as the leading contributor to tire-related crashes. An underinflated tire flexes more than it should with every rotation, generating heat inside the tire structure. As heat builds, the rubber weakens. Eventually the sidewall or tread delaminates and the tire fails suddenly.
Overloading, carrying more weight than the tire is rated for, creates the same heat buildup as underinflation. Combined with heat, the tire structure breaks down faster. Always check tire load ratings when towing or loading a truck to maximum payload.
Damage: a sidewall puncture, impact fracture from a pothole, or a nail that slowly bleeds pressure over days can weaken the tire structure until it fails. Sidewall damage (cuts, bulges, cracks) cannot be repaired. A bulging sidewall is a blowout waiting to happen.
Age: rubber oxidizes and becomes brittle over time regardless of tread depth. Tires over 6 years old should be inspected by a tire professional annually. Tires over 10 years old should be replaced regardless of tread depth.
How to prevent a blowout
Check tire pressure monthly and before any long trip. Use the pressure on the door sticker, not the number molded into the tire sidewall (that's the maximum, not the recommended). A quality digital gauge costs $10 to $15 and pays for itself immediately.
Inspect tires visually before long trips. Look for cracks, bulges, embedded objects, or uneven wear. A bulge in the sidewall means the internal structure is already compromised: replace that tire before driving farther.
Rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Uneven wear is a blowout risk because a spot worn down to the wear bars has almost no structural integrity.
Replace tires at 2/32 of tread depth. A worn tire is both an underperformance risk and a blowout risk.
Frequently asked
What should I do if I have a tire blowout while driving?
Do not brake suddenly. Keep a firm grip on the wheel and resist the pull. Ease off the gas gradually. Let the car slow naturally and steer to the shoulder. Braking hard during a blowout often causes a spin. Once under 30 mph you can use the brakes gently.
How often should I check tire pressure?
Monthly minimum. Tires naturally lose 1 to 2 PSI per month. Temperature changes also affect pressure: tires lose 1 PSI for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop.
Can a worn-out tire cause a blowout?
Yes. A tire worn down to the bars has little rubber left over the belts, so it runs hotter and gives up far less margin against a puncture or impact. Age matters too, since old rubber gets brittle and cracks even with tread left. If your tires are worn or several years old, replacing them is the single best blowout-prevention move you can make.
Are blowouts more common in summer?
They spike in hot weather. West Georgia's summer heat pushes already-stressed rubber closer to failure, and an underinflated tire on hot asphalt builds heat fast on a long I-20 run. Check your pressures cold, more often in July and August, and don't set out on a road trip with a tire that's low or showing sidewall cracks.
How do I know if a tire is unsafe to keep driving on?
A bulge in the sidewall, a deep cut, exposed cords, or a slow leak you keep topping off all mean stop driving on it and get it looked at. Sidewall damage can't be repaired, and a bulge is a blowout waiting to happen. A local shop can tell you in minutes whether a tire is repairable or needs to be replaced.
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Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.