Check your tire pressure to avoid a blowout

A tire blowout is a loud and scary explosion combined with the smell of burning rubber. And when it happens on a fast highway, as it sometimes does, the situation can become dangerous and uncertain. Don’t wait for a disaster like this to happen! Hoist Towing & Recovery, roadside assistance service in Prescott, recommends you check your tire pressure to avoid a disaster like this.

How often should I check my tire pressure?
Once a month while the tires are cold (not recently driven), use a pressure gauge to determine the PSI. Keep in mind that higher elevation and different seasons can change the pressure in tires significantly, so adjust accordingly. If you need to fill up your tires but don’t have an air pump, you can often find one at a gas station or a local car parts store.

What causes tire blowouts?
Both too much or too little pressure can cause blowouts. If your tires have too much air in them, less of the tires’ surfaces touch the ground, making your car lose traction. You may bounce around on the road, unable to maintain adequate stopping distances. If there is too little air, then too much of the tire is in contact with the ground, causing friction and also causing tires to wear prematurely. The friction can cause overheating which can cause the tread to separate – a dangerous recipe for a blowout.

How do I know how much tire pressure my car needs?
Inside the driver’s door is generally where you will find a sticker that gives the “recommended tire pressure” and “max pressure”. The max pressure is the most amount of air your tires can contain, so this is not the pressure you want. Try to fill your tires up to the recommended tire pressure for the safest bet on the road.

If you monitor your vehicle just once a month, you can avoid not only a costly repair service but also a potential crash from a blown out tire. Protect yourself and your car with regular tire pressure checks. If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation with a blowout, call your 24-hour roadside service in Prescott, Hoist Towing & Recovery at 928-660-0606.