Tires are among the most important elements of vehicle safety, as their performance directly affects the stability of the car and the safety of passengers. Therefore, taking good care of tires reduces the possibility of them exploding while driving, helping to avoid fatal accidents and material losses.
According to global traffic reports, a large percentage of accidents caused by loss of vehicle control are due to tire explosions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States of America (NHTSA) conducted a study in 2019. This study reported that about 11,000 annual accidents in the United States are caused by tire faults. Sudden tire explosion is the first and main cause of these accidents, so it is necessary to follow preventive measures to maintain tire safety and ensure safe driving. This article is a comprehensive guide that helps you reduce the risk of tire explosion while driving.
The explosion force of the truck tire:
It should be noted that the explosion of a truck tire is not just a loud sound. It is a huge force that can lead to serious damage. According to traffic safety reports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the pressure inside large truck tires can reach 100 PSI or more, which means that a sudden explosion may release energy equivalent to the explosion of an explosive device.
In some cases, the explosion is strong enough to break parts of the truck chassis or even injure people close to it. It may cause the end of their lives. The Internet world is full of videos that show the strength of a tire explosion and the losses caused by this explosion. Therefore, taking preventive measures such as periodic inspection of tires and ensuring their good condition is essential to keep drivers and other vehicles safe on the road.
Causes of Tire Burst
There are certainly many causes of tire explosion, but the common link between most causes is human or, say, the “driver”. The safety of a vehicle and tires is a daily responsibility that must be followed up periodically by the vehicle officer. Neglecting it means neglecting someone's life regardless of their location in the vehicle. Drivers, passengers, road traffic and drivers of other vehicles have honest lives in the hands of the person responsible for the inspection process. Neglect in the inspection process means negligence in the life of the entire community. Here are the most important reasons that lead to tire explosion:
- Decreased or increased air pressure inside the tire:
Improper air pressure is one of the main causes of tire explosion. A tire that has a low pressure is more susceptible to wear due to increased friction with the road, while a tire with a high pressure is stiffer and reduces the ability to absorb shocks, increasing the risk of damage. Even an increase in pressure may cause the tire to explode even if it is new, when it passes through rough terrain or hits a sudden bump.
At Darbek, we always take into account the issue of air pressure and the nature of the vehicle's operation. Our understanding and knowledge of these details before the sales process helps us provide the right tire for each vehicle, making the possibility of tire explosion while driving almost non-existent.
- Overload and its impact on the tire:
Dear brother, a note before you continue reading: Overloading affects everything. Its damage is not limited to tires only, so avoid it in all its forms. Overloading may result in additional profits at the near level, but it is a great loss at the long level. The damage caused by overloading is almost countless.
However, if we want to limit the damage of overloading the tires, we can say that overloading negatively affects the durability of the tire, as it causes an increase in the internal pressure of the tire, which may lead to a rise in its temperature and a sudden explosion. Therefore, it is necessary to comply with the load recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Here, the name of Darbek Tire Company rises again, because we provide a comprehensive explanation of each tire and design we offer. We even help you in the selection process and provide you with the best design.
- Using damaged or expired tires:
The equation is clear and consistent: unfair use of tires and their use despite the expiration of their useful life = temporary cost savings + significant financial loss later.
Damaged or expired tires lose their flexibility and become more fragile, making them more susceptible to rupture or explosion. It is recommended to check the production date on the tire and replace it if needed.
- Driving at high speeds, especially in hot weather:
High speeds lead to increased friction between the tire and the road, significantly raising the temperature of the tire. When driving in high temperatures, the tire becomes more fragile, increasing the likelihood of it exploding.
At Darbek, we are keen to understand the nature of the vehicle's operation and the roads on which it travels, in order to provide the consumer with a design that suits the nature of his work. We have tires dedicated to fast driving and high-temperature roads.
- The impact of environmental factors such as heat and rough terrain:
Driving on rough or unpaved roads exposes tires to great stress, such as potholes and sharp rocks that may cause cracks or invisible holes, which increase the possibility of explosion. If you suffer from rough roads, the solution is at Derbek. We have tires and designs dedicated to rough roads. They are even more effective on rough roads than on highways.
Tire explosion prevention measures
The importance of tire explosion prevention measures is not limited to reducing accidents, but also saving lives. According to a study conducted by the National Transportation Safety Association (NTAB), about 75% of truck accidents caused by tires could have been avoided through regular maintenance and appropriate pressure checks.
In one case documented by the reports, a truck was involved in a fatal accident on a highway due to the explosion of a tire, causing it to roll over and collide with other vehicles. Investigations have shown that the tire was expired and had obvious cracks, which confirms the importance of periodic inspection of tires and the use of new high-quality tires.
The following are a number of procedures that can be followed in order to prevent tire explosions:
- Periodic monitoring:
It is always recommended to check the air pressure in the tires periodically using a pressure gauge, making sure that it complies with the values specified in the vehicle manual. It is also preferable to check the pressure when the tires are cold to ensure the accuracy of the measurement.
- Wear and damage inspection:
You should make sure that the depth of the pattern (s) in the tire is at least 1.6 mm. This helps improve grip with the road and reduce the risk of slipping or explosion.
- Confirm the production date:
Tires have a four-digit production date (week and year). It is preferable to replace the tire after 5-6 years from the date of manufacture, even if it is not used frequently. Exaggerating prevention is a thousand times better than dealing with emergency accidents.
- Using high quality tires:
High-quality tires are made of advanced materials such as silica and advanced polymers, making them able to withstand high temperatures and extreme pressure, reducing the risk of explosion.
On the other hand, economical tires are often made of cheaper materials that are less efficient in dissipating heat and withstand high pressures, making them more susceptible to wear and explosion when exposed to harsh driving conditions.
Therefore, the difference between the two types is not limited to quality, but also extends to shelf life and economic efficiency. High-quality tires last longer, which means reducing the need for frequent replacement, thus saving money in the long term.
It also contributes to improved fuel consumption by reducing rolling resistance, saving more operating costs.
Economical tires may be a suitable option for vehicles that drive in low-pressure environments and are not exposed to extreme conditions, but may pose a danger in heavy applications such as heavy trucks or vehicles that travel long distances daily.
- Avoid overloading:
The maximum load limit can be found by reviewing the vehicle manual or the sticker inside the driver's door. The weight allowed for each axle of the vehicle is specified. In addition, the Load Index () can be found on the tire wall, which is a number that indicates the maximum weight that the tire can withstand at the recommended air pressure.
Exceeding the recommended maximum weight negatively affects tire performance, as it increases tire temperature due to constant friction with the road, leading to faster wear and the possibility of sudden explosion. Overloading also affects fuel consumption and makes braking less efficient, increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is always recommended to take into account the recommended weight to ensure safe driving and make the most of the tire's life.
- Safe driving:
It is always recommended to avoid sudden stops and sharp turns, as this increases the pressure on the tires and leads to a rise in their temperature, which may accelerate their wear or even cause them to explode. Sudden braking also puts tremendous pressure on the surface of the tire and leads to unbalanced load distribution, which increases the possibility of rapid damage to the tires.
In addition, maintaining a moderate speed is one of the most important prevention factors. Driving at a constant speed contributes to reducing tire fatigue and improving vehicle control. According to a study conducted by the National Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers who stick to the recommended speed are 60% less likely to have accidents caused by tire explosion compared to those who drive at high speeds.
Attention should also be paid to high temperatures, especially in the summer, as heat affects the air pressure inside the tires, leading to air expansion and increased internal pressure. It is recommended to check the air pressure periodically, especially before long trips, to ensure that it stays within the range recommended by the manufacturer.
What do you do when a tire bursts while driving?
By following the above instructions and taking into account all safety conditions and factors, you will avoid a tire explosion that may exceed 90%. However, such a thing is possible, road forks, a pit in the road, an unpolished iron bump, all these sudden factors may cause the tire to explode. In all cases, follow the following instructions:
- Keep your cool: Do not hit the brakes too hard, but apply the brakes gradually.
- Hold the steering wheel tightly: Keep control of the vehicle and avoid sudden swerving.
- Reduce speed gradually: Take your foot off the gas pedal slowly to gradually reduce the speed.
- Try heading to the side of the road: Use traffic lights to alert other drivers and move to a safe area.
- Replace the damaged tire or ask for help: If you are unable to replace the tire, it is best to seek help from emergency services or maintenance teams.
After reading all this information, what is the conclusion?
In summary, you should know that tire maintenance is one of the key factors to ensure safe driving. This reduces the risk of accidents caused by tire explosion through periodic inspection, air pressure control, and avoidance of excessive loads, so that drivers can keep their tires in good condition and extend their life. It is also always recommended to use high-quality tires and check their manufacturing date before purchasing.
If you want to get high-quality tires with a carefully considered price, you should buy Darbek tires. Darbek is the first Saudi tire company to achieve Saudi safety and safety standards. In addition, we work according to a clear methodology. The relationship between the customer and the company is not limited to the sales phase only, but also pre-sales and after-sales service. We help you choose the best suitable design for you, and we monitor the quality and efficiency of the tire throughout its use.
