Tractor Trailer Tire Blowouts in Los Angeles, CA

What Causes Tractor Trailer Tire Blowouts?

A tire blowout on a big rig is extremely dangerous. It could throw an 80,000-pound vehicle out of control on the highway, where large trucks spend most of their time. A tire blowout is not like getting a flat tire from a slow leak–it’s a violent bursting of the tire.

Some common causes of tire blowouts on tractor-trailers include:

Underinflated Tires

Underinflated tires flex more and create more friction with the road, which generates more heat within the tire. This creates a higher risk of a blowout. Blowouts occur more often in the summer months when outside air temperatures are high. 

Overly Worn Tires

Tires that have lost usable tread will begin to wear out quickly. Weak spots form and leave the tire susceptible to a blowout. Poor maintenance or using the wrong type of tires can lead to dangerous wear and tear on tires.

Overloaded vehicles

Overloading and exceeding the weight limit allowed puts dangerous pressure on tires, which are also rated for certain load limits. When tires are also improperly inflated or poorly maintained, they’re more likely to burst under heavy weight.

Overinflated Tires

Overinflated tires can affect the truck’s handling, making it more likely to bounce around when it hits potholes or obstacles in the road. Then the overinflated tires can pop when they hit obstacles or when the sidewalls graze curbs. They also wear unevenly, causing weak spots that could cause a blowout. And like too little air, too much air can cause heat buildup within the tire, leading to a blowout.

Defective or Damaged Tires

A tire with a manufacturing defect can be a ticking time bomb. Even when tires are properly inflated and rotated regularly, they can be dangerous if they leave the factory with a defect. Improper storage or negligent tire mounting could also lead to a blowout risk.

Using the Wrong Tires

Tires are rated based on how they are intended to be used. Choosing the wrong tires for the vehicle, load, and environment creates the risk of a blowout. Using a tire with the wrong heat rating, for example, can make the tire more likely to blow at high speeds.