A tire rarely fails for no reason. Most blowouts trace back to something that could have been spotted earlier: low pressure, a cut, uneven wear, an overloaded axle or a wheel-end problem that nobody noticed. Here are the causes we see most often and what drivers can do about them.
The usual suspects
- Low inflation. Under-inflated tires flex more, run hotter and wear on the shoulders. Heat is what ultimately destroys a tire.
- Overloading or uneven loads. Extra weight on one axle or one side stresses the tires and wheel ends.
- Brake and suspension problems. A dragging brake or worn suspension part can wear a tire out or overheat it long before its normal life.
- Road damage. Curbs, debris and potholes can cut or bruise a sidewall, and the tire may not fail until days later.
- Age and wear. Tread depth matters, and so does the condition of the casing. A tire that looks fine can still be near the end of its life.
- Failing wheel bearings or seals. Play or heat at the hub can ruin a tire quickly.
A quick tire check before you roll
Walk around the unit and look at each tire and wheel. You are looking for cuts, bulges, exposed cords, objects stuck in the tread, low pressure, loose or missing lug nuts, and grease or oil leaking near the hub. Check duals for a tire that is carrying more load than its partner. If something looks wrong, it is better to ask before you leave than after.
Repair or replace?
A small puncture in the tread area may be repairable. A cut or bulge in the sidewall, a tire run flat for a distance, or one that has overheated usually needs replacing. When we see uneven wear we look for the cause as well, because a bent or worn component will wear out the next tire too.
If a tire fails on the road
Stay calm, hold the wheel steady, ease off the throttle and slow down gradually before pulling off the road to a safe spot. Turn on your hazards. Then call for help and have your location, the tire size and position, and whether the unit is loaded ready. The tire size is printed on the sidewall.
See our tire service and tire assistance pages, or call +1 (214) 400-4228. We will tell you honestly whether the job can be done where you are or needs the shop, and if it needs the shop, we can tow it in for the repair.
General guidance only. Follow your company’s procedures and the tire manufacturer’s recommendations.
