Tyre bursts: All you need to know

TYRE bursts are hands down one of the most frightening experiences one can go through. It's a situation, where the tyre almost explodes due to rapid loss of pressurised air.

Tyre bursts happen because the structural integrity of the tyre gets compromised and it is unable to hold all that air inside. If you ever witness one, you would have noticed that it takes mere seconds for the tyre to get obliterated into pieces.

Tyre bursts are dangerous no doubt. People lose control of their cars, panic and eventually a tyre burst leads to a lot worse. But what is the best way you can make sure that you never have to come across any such circumstances? The answer is precaution.

The list below mentions the most common causes of tyre bursts which probably cover about 99% of the cases that happen.

All you need to do is understand these and then make sure you make the right decisions when it comes to your tyres.

Using second hand tyres

The first and most important reason behind tyre bursts — using tyres that are worn out and not up to the mark in terms of quality.

This is especially true for countries such as India and Zimbabwe, where there is a huge market for second hand, old tyres that are bought by people just to save some money. Never ever compromise on the quality and integrity of your tyres. Saving your life is more important than saving a little cash.

High temperatures

Tyres that are running on high temperatures are extremely susceptible to blowouts. As temperatures rise beyond a certain point, the tyres lose their solidity and the air inside the tyre begins to expand.

Beyond a certain temperature, even small external forces like jolts or bumps that compress the tyre can make it pop like a balloon.

Driving a vehicle at high speeds, under-inflation and using tyres beyond their tread limit are some of the circumstances where your tyre is more susceptible to heat from both the inside as well as outside.

Driving over the speed rating

The speed rating of the tyre is the maximum speed it could handle in testing. Going over that speed for a prolonged time can easily cause a blowout.

We recommend that you never go over the prescribed speed rating for your tyres. Your tyres are built to handle a certain speed and beyond that, the rubber and the structure simply fails. Find the speed rating in the tyre sequence and follow it judiciously.

Stunts and reckless driving

Burnouts, drifts, wheelies are extremely cool but they can also be very dangerous if you don't look after your tyres. If you do use your car/ bike for such stunts, you have to be a hundred times more careful about your tyres.

Performing such stunts leaves your tyres weakened worn out and damaged. In many cases, you might not even come to know until it's too late and they might fail you when you are least expecting things to go wrong. So it is important that you regularly and thoroughly inspect your tyres if you are into such things.

Furthermore, stunts should only be performed in controlled conditions and away from public places. Always wear proper safety gear and take the necessary precautions.