Even the best drivers can collide with a curb at some point in their careers. By most mechanics, this is a likely situation during the winter season. However, this is a possibility that can occur at any time.
The majority of drivers believe it isn’t a big deal. Hitting a curb appears to be a minimal issue that requires little attention. However, this incident may result in huge mechanical issues.
Is it possible to have a tire blowout when hitting a curb? Yes, because your car’s suspension is incredibly complex. The suspension comprises multiple parts that can be easily damaged even if the impact with the curb is as low as 5 or 10 miles per hour, resulting in a potentially dangerous blowout. When you have a tire blowout, ensure to sustain your vehicle and cautiously pull it away from the main road.
The greater the speed of your vehicle and the greater the height of the curb, the greater the damage to your vehicle. Sometimes you’ll die instantly, while other times, you’ll just damage the tire and set off a ticking time bomb whenever it heats up outside, or the car is overloaded with freight and passengers.
If you run into a curb, don’t neglect it. Instead, pull over and inspect the vehicle for impairment. But first, you must know where to look, assess the situation, and decide on the best course of action.
This article will explain how damaging a curb can be to your car’s tire. It will also go over what you should do if your tire blows out.
Table of Contents
Can Hitting A Curb Make Your Tire Blow Out?
Yes, hitting a curb could result in serious damage, such as a tire blowout. However, not all curb hits are evenly distributed. Therefore, you need to think about how fast you were going when you hit the curb.
Inspect the curb’s altitude as well. For instance, if you are moving at 50 mph and hit a pothole more than six inches high, you will certainly sustain significant front-end damage. However, if you hit a small, three-inch curb while traveling at only five miles per hour, you might not sustain any damage at all.
There are other factors to consider because the impact of hitting a curb and causing a tire to blow out varies depending on the vehicle’s build. But, if this occurs, make sure to pull over and change your tire. You can also contact your towing services provider to arrange a tow to the adjacent repair shop.
What To Do When You Hit A Curb And Tire Blow Out?
If you hit a curb, pull over immediately and inspect your vehicle. Begin with the tire with which you made contact. Most of the time, it’s the right front tire.
Examine the sidewall and tread for any signs of damage. If you notice any cracks or chunks were taken out, you may have wheel damage and should seek auto repair as soon as possible. Even if the tire and wheel appear to be in good condition, the impact could still affect your alignment.
If your wheel blows out, the most important thing to remember is to stay calm first. It should be done immediately after your tire blows out. Breathe deeply and don’t panic because once you have a sense of control, you can start thinking about the next step to take.
Make every effort to keep the vehicle straight, and if you’ve gained control, slowly let go of the gas pedal. Keep the vehicle pointed straight and avoid turning the steering wheel. Once you are successfully out of traffic, hold another deep breath and, if necessary, call for assistance.
How Far Can I Drive On A Blown Tire?
You can only drive for 1.5 miles and at a maximum speed of 20 mph. It’s the only way to ensure that your wheel withstands this catastrophe. Trying to drive to the nearest repair shop on a ruptured tire is often the only option left.
Professionals, even so, recommend against doing so because it can damage the tire and render it useless. Likely, you’ll never be able to use the tire again. But if you must, make sure that help is only a few yards away.
Are Tire Blowouts Repairable?
Yes, it is possible to fix it. But unless the puncture is 1/4 inch or smaller and positioned on the tread of a tire. Then, it is strongly advised that the repair procedure include a plug and patch on the tire lining. A plug and a patch can extend the life of a damaged tire by thousands of miles.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Blown-out Tire?
The cost of fixing tire blowout damage is determined by various factors, such as the brand and model of your vehicle, the number of tires that must be changed, the durability of the replacement tires, and the amount of additional damage your vehicle sustained during the tire blowout. For example, replacement tires can range from $50 to over $300. The damage sustained, on the other hand, maybe much more expensive to repair.
Is Damage From A Tire Blowout Covered By Insurance?
You are financially liable for your wheels. Damage sustained by a tire blowout, on the other hand, may be supported by your vehicle insurance. It’s because the cost of any damage caused by your blowout, along with damage to the axle and wheel, is covered by your insurance.
How Long Does It Take To Fix A Blown Tire?
Repairing a blown tire should take no more than 15-30 minutes. If you’re handy, you can complete the repair in less than an hour using common tools. However, if you plan to replace all of your tires, it may take a little more time.
Summary
In summary, no matter how carefully you drive or how many times you check your tire inflation and pressure, tire blowouts can occur for various reasons. One example is slamming into a curb. This incident could cause a slew of problems.
Whacking a curb can cause damage to your car’s wheel alignment, suspension and even bend or break your tire rods. These amounts of damage can have a significant impact; handling and steering can become challenging, even to the point of blowing out your tire.
On the other hand, minor impacts can cause noticeable and costly tire damage. Therefore, you mustn’t rely on your instincts regarding the extent of damage after hitting a curb. Only having your car checked by a skilled and experienced mechanic will reveal the extent of the damage.
When driving, there is always the possibility of hitting a curb. Depending on whether the impact is in the front or rear, your car may sustain significant damage. At times, curbs can appear out of nowhere, making it impossible to avoid a collision. If this happens, you should see a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
Also Read:
- Bulletproof Tires
- How Often Should You Inflate Your Tires?
- How Much Does A Semi-Truck Tire Weigh?
- How To Let The Air Out Of A Tire?
- Do Car Tires Have Tubes?
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