Are you prepared for tire blowout season? More than 33,000 tire-related car accidents occur each year according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), 2,000 of which are caused by tire blowouts. While a tire blowout can occur anytime, accidents tend to spike around mid-May to October due to the summer heat—hence the name “tire blowout season.”

Stay on top of your tire safety by educating yourself on emergency procedures! In this article, we’ll cover: 

  • What Causes a Tire Blowout?
  • What Should You Do If You Have a Tire Blowout?
  • If You Experience a Tire Blowout – Repair & Maintenance Tips
  • Prevent Tire Blowouts With Hooper’s Tire Outlet

At Hoopers Tire Outlet, we’re here to assist you with all of your tire needs. Get in touch with our team today!

What Causes a Tire Blowout?

Most tire blowouts are caused by underinflated tires. When you drive on underinflated tires, the tire sidewall bulges out and makes contact with the road. The contact and friction cause the tires to heat up and mishapen even further. 

Summer heat from both the sun and hot asphalt roads magnifies this issue, causing the tire lining to rapidly breakdown.

What Should You Do If You Have a Tire Blowout?

If you experience a tire blowout, it’s important to stay calm. A tire blowout is stressful, but panicking may cause a larger, more serious car accident. Follow our steps to move your car safely off the road:

  1. Avoid immediately breaking – If you break hard, your wheels may lock up, and you’ll lose control of your car. Instead, keep your foot on the accelerator and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel. You may have to accelerate slightly to maintain control.

  2. Straighten out – Gently straighten out, slowly release from the accelerator, and let your car slow down by itself. You may notice that the car will lean toward your skid direction. Stay calm and keep gently straightening out.

  3. Slow down and pull over – When you car is below 30 mph, you can start to break (lightly!) and pull off the road. Remember to avoid pulling over on the left side of the road.

  4. Turn on your hazard lights – Turn on your hazard lights when you’re safely off of the road. Trying to turn on your lights while steering the car may distract you.

Once you’re safe, you can either replace the tire with a spare (or donut tire) or call road side assistance for support.

If You Experience a Tire Blowout – Repair & Maintenance Tips

When replacing your tire, it’s important to select high-quality tires that match your vehicle’s specifications and can withstand the summer heat. 

At Hooper’s Tire Outlet, we specialize in top-of-the-line used tires, ensuring affordable quality for our customers. We inspect our products regularly according to the best industry standards and offer essential maintenance services to avoid issues such as tire blowouts.

To keep your tires up to date: 

  • Check your tire pressure (before driving) each month
  • Inflate your tires to the pressure specified by your car manufacturer
  • Rotate your tires for even wear
  • Replace your tires if you notice excessive wear

Remember, preventative measures are the most effective defense against tire blowouts and car accidents.

Prevent Tire Blowouts With Hooper’s Tire Outlet

There’s no reason to fear tire blowout season if you’re taking the correct precautions. Maintain your tires regularly and make sure that your tires are properly inflated. If you experience a tire blowout, avoid a car accident by gently decelerating while steering straight


Visit our Rochester or Syracuse locations to learn more about tire safety. Our specialists can inspect your tires for potential issues and suggest affordable solutions!