How To Prevent Tire Blowouts: Top-5 Michelin Commercial Tires Care Tips

Even top-of-the-line Michelin commercial tires are susceptible to blowouts without proper maintenance. Read on to learn how to prevent dangerous tire failures with proper maintenance practices, or contact your local TIRECRAFT to schedule a free consultation.

Commercial Tire Blowouts Are Dangerous, But Preventable

Without proper maintenance and driving habits, commercial tire blowouts can happen to anyone.

For example, just over one year ago, The Star reported on a dangerous commercial tire blowout that occurred in Northumberland County, likely as a result of cutting corners with tire upkeep.

On June 15, 2021, at approximately 4:39pm, a commercial vehicle tire blew out, causing the driver to lose control and strike the guard rail. The vehicle subsequently caught fire and caused significant damage to the highway, which required urgent repairs before it was suitable for use again (Anderson, 2021).

Fortunately, there were no other vehicles involved and no reported injuries—in this case, the only costs were those of the driver’s downtime and the highway repairs—but not all drivers get so lucky. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, commercial tire blowouts cause approximately 223 deaths per year.

But commercial tire blowouts are preventable. Prevention starts with the right choice of tires—for example, Michelin commercial tires are rated some of the safest in the industry—but even the best tires can fail without proper maintenance. Luckily, with 300+ TIRECRAFT locations around the country, and more than 10,000 points of service offered through the Tire Service Network, keeping your Michelin commercial tires in-shape has never been easier.

Read on to learn our top Michelin commercial tire care tips, or contact your local TIRECRAFT to book a free consultation straight away.

Prevent Tire Blowouts: Top-5 Michelin Commercial Tire Care Tips

Michelin commercial tires are some of the best in class, but even they aren’t immune to dangerous blowouts when proper maintenance is neglected.

To keep your Michelin commercial tires in shape, be sure to:

• Keep your tires properly inflated. Firestone Tire research states that incorrect tire pressure is the leading cause of blowouts, so make sure yours is correct. According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC), 86% of drivers measure their tire inflation pressure at least once every six months, but commercial truck drivers should commit to these checks much more often, ideally as part of every pre-trip inspection.
• Inspect your tires for damage on a regular basis. A quick tire check should be included in every pre-trip inspection checklist. Watch out for punctures or any signs of irregular wear, especially any cracks or bulges in the sidewall. If you spot any signs of trouble, get in touch with our commercial truck and tire maintenance team for support.
• Replace old and worn tires. If your tires are badly worn or they have spent more than 5 years in service, it’s time for a replacement. Contact your local TIRECRAFT for a great price on a set of Michelin commercial tires, and consider retreading solutions where available.
• Mind the load limit. Even with a set of premium Michelin commercial tires, exceeding the load limit can greatly increase the risk of blowout. Make sure you select the right tires for the job, or else try to share the load between multiple vehicles. When in doubt, consult with your local TIRECRAFT expert for a personalized recommendation.
• Avoid road hazards. Try your best to minimize impacts with potholes, curbs, and debris. This can be easier said than done, especially with a heavy load, and it is no substitute for the other maintenance requirements listed above, but it can certainly help you decrease the amount of damage and road wear your tires absorb.

Book A Free Consultation With A Michelin Commercial Tire Expert

To learn more about how to keep your fleet safe and minimize the risks of commercial tire blowout, get in touch with your local TIRECRAFT for a free consultation.

References

Anderson, L. (2021, June 16). Commercial vehicle bursts into flames on Hwy. 401 in Northumberland County. The Star.

Back