Last Updated June 2026
- Tire blowouts can happen because of underinflation, worn tread, potholes, heat buildup and other tire damage.
- Regular tire maintenance, including pressure and tread checks, can help reduce the risk of a blowout.
- A tire blowout is different from a flat tire because it usually involves sudden air loss while driving.
- Avoid hard braking and slow down gradually to help maintain control during a blowout.
A tire blowout can happen when a tire suddenly loses air pressure due to issues like underinflation, worn tread, road hazards or excessive heat buildup. Often, tires show signs of wear or damage before a blowout occurs. Blowouts can happen with little warning — especially during highway driving. Understanding what causes them and checking your tires regularly can help you catch signs of wear or damage before they become more serious.
What is a tire blowout?
A tire blowout happens when a tire rapidly loses air pressure, often causing the tire to burst or the tread to separate suddenly while the vehicle is moving. While people sometimes use the terms interchangeably, a tire blowout is different from a flat tire. A blowout typically happens much faster and may involve a loud popping sound, vibration or difficulty steering. A flat tire usually loses air gradually, giving drivers more time to react. Read more about what to do with a flat tire.
Warning signs that a blowout may occur include:
- Low tire pressure
- Visible cracks or bulges in the sidewall
- Excessive tire tread wear
- Vibrations while driving
- Uneven handling or pulling to one side
For example, a driver traveling at highway speeds during hot weather may notice unusual vibrations or steering changes if a tire is overheating or damaged.
Common causes of tire blowouts
Several factors can contribute to a tire blowout. In many cases, multiple issues combine to weaken the tire over time.
- Underinflation
- Overinflation
- Overloading the vehicle
- Potholes or road hazards
- Worn tread
- Old tires or dry rot
- Heat buildup
- Improper tire repairs
- Manufacturing defects
Underinflation
Underinflated tires are one of the most common causes of a tire blowout, according to the Tire Industry Association (TIA). When a tire does not have enough air pressure, more of the tire touches the road surface, which can increase friction and heat buildup. Long drives during hot weather may increase this risk even more. Find the recommended tire pressure for your car on the driver’s side doorframe or in the owner’s manual.
Overinflation
Overinflated tires may become stiffer and less able to absorb impacts from potholes or debris. This added stress can contribute to tire damage over time. Check the sticker on the driver’s side doorframe to find the recommended tire pressure.
Worn tread and aging tires
As tires age, the rubber can weaken and become more likely to crack or dry out. Worn tires with shallow tread depth may also have less traction and durability. Even if you don’t drive the car often, age and weather exposure can still affect a tire’s condition.
Road hazards and potholes
Potholes, curbs, nails, debris and rough road conditions can damage a tire’s structure. Sometimes the damage is visible immediately; other times it weakens the tire internally and contributes to a blowout later. For example, hitting a pothole at highway speeds can damage the tire sidewall or wheel rim without obvious signs right away.
Overloading the vehicle
Carrying more weight than a vehicle is designed to handle can put additional stress on tires. Heavy cargo, trailers or packed vehicles during road trips may increase heat buildup and strain in tires. Check the owner’s manual for the maximum weight of cargo, passengers and accessories your car or truck can safely carry.
Improper repairs or manufacturing defects
Temporary or poorly completed tire repairs may weaken the tire. Although less common, manufacturing defects can also contribute to a tire blowout.
How to help prevent tire blowouts
Regular tire maintenance can help reduce the likelihood of a tire blowout. These quick checks recommended by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration can help you spot problems early.
Pre-trip tire inspection checklist
Before long drives, check:
- Tire pressure
- Tread depth
- Visible cracks or bulges
- Sidewall damage
- Spare tire condition
Tire safety tips
Check tire pressure regularly
Routine pressure checks can help drivers identify slow leaks, punctures or uneven wear before problems worsen. Many newer vehicles include a TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), but manual checks are still important.
Inspect tread wear
Worn tires may have less grip and durability. If the tread appears uneven or shallow, it may be time to replace the tires.
Rotate tires as recommended
Regular tire rotation may help distribute wear more evenly across all four tires.
Replace aging tires
Even tires with good tread can weaken over time. Drivers may want to review manufacturer recommendations for tire age and replacement intervals.
Avoid overloading
Staying within the vehicle’s recommended weight limits can help reduce stress on the tires.
Inspect tires before road trips
A quick inspection before long drives may help identify issues like sidewall damage, punctures or low tire pressure.
What should you do during a tire blowout?
If you have a tire blowout while driving, stay calm and react gradually to help maintain control of the vehicle. Sudden braking or sharp steering movements may make the vehicle harder to control.
Steps to take during a tire blowout
- Grip the steering wheel firmly.
- Avoid slamming on the brakes.
- Take your foot off the accelerator.
- Allow the vehicle to slow down naturally.
- Carefully steer to a safe location off the road.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
Once you are safely stopped:
- Check your surroundings before exiting the vehicle.
- Move away from traffic if possible.
- Inspect the tire.
- Contact roadside assistance if needed.
Review these roadside emergency tips for more road safety guidance.
FAQs
What is the most common cause of a tire blowout?
According to the TIA, underinflation is the most common cause of a tire blowout because low tire pressure can increase heat buildup and stress.
Can hot weather cause a tire blowout?
Hot weather can contribute to tire problems because heat can increase stress on the tire, along with highway speeds and low pressure.
What should you not do during a tire blowout?
Avoid slamming on your brakes and jerking the steering wheel suddenly because these moves may make the vehicle more difficult to control.
Can a new tire blow out?
Yes. Newer tires are less likely to fail due to age or tread wear, but a new tire can still blow out because of road hazards, improper inflation, overloading or, in rare cases, a manufacturing defect.
Is a tire blowout different from a flat tire?
Yes. A flat tire often loses air gradually, while a tire blowout usually involves rapid air loss and may happen suddenly while you’re driving.
Can potholes cause tire blowouts?
Yes. Potholes and road debris can damage a tire’s structure or sidewall, which may contribute to a blowout.
Is a tire blowout covered by insurance?
If your car insurance policy includes towing and roadside service coverage, you may have access to 24/7 roadside assistance if your car is disabled, as well as help with towing or tire changing. Review your auto insurance coverage, including roadside assistance options available, with a Farmers® agent.
The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. Read our editorial standards for Insurance Questions and other content. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied. This does not refer to any specific insurance policy and nothing herein is intended to replace or modify any terms in your actual policy.
Farmers may also provide information on topics that are not directly about insurance policies or coverage that we believe could be helpful to you. Information in such articles is not meant as professional advice, and any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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