Tips to Avoid Tire Blowouts
Trailer tire blowouts can happen for a number of reasons, but they’re almost always preventable.
Here are some practical tips to keep your trailer tires in good shape and avoid blowouts.
Check Tire Pressure Often
Tire blowouts can be caused by incorrect tire pressure – either too high, or too low.
In fact, incorrect tire pressure is one of the leading causes of tire blowouts, for both auto and trailer tires.
Before you start driving, especially while towing, use a tire pressure gauge to check the tires, including your spare.
It’s always a good idea to use the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
Don’t Overload
Excessive trailer weight causes extra strain on tires.
It’s important to know the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and ensure you’re not hauling too much weight.
It’s also important to spread the weight evenly across the trailer, to avoid overloading a single tire, while maintaining a proper tongue weight.
Inspect Tires for Damage
Before you start driving, always look for cracks, bulges, or worn tread.
If you see any of these signs, replace the tire. Sidewall damage is a blowout waiting to happen.
Proactively Replace Old Tires
Trailer tires should be replaced every 3-5 years, even if they have low mileage, or don’t look worn.
Rubber breaks down over time, especially if the trailer is stored outside with exposure to the elements.
Avoid Tire Heat Buildup
Extreme heat can cause tires to fail.
Driving at high speeds or in hot weather can cause tires to overheat. Stick to moderate speeds and, if towing long distances, take breaks to let the tires cool down.
It’s important to check tire temperatures frequently, to identify overheating and prevent a blowout.
Digital thermometers are excellent for this and can help prevent dirty hands. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can touch the back of your hand to the tire to check for overheating.
Balance the Load
A balanced load prevents stress on individual tires. Uneven loads can cause tires to wear faster on one side, leading to blowouts.
Final Thoughts
We hope you found these tips useful. Trailer tire blowouts can be extremely dangerous, especially while hauling. But, with basic precautions, many tire blowouts can be avoided. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
If you found any of these tips to be useful, please consider sharing them with someone you know who may benefit from them. And, if we missed something you think should be included, please let us know!
