What occurs when a tire suddenly loses all of its air pressure?

When a tire suddenly loses all of its air pressure, it is referred to as a blowout. This typically happens when there is a rapid failure in the tire structure, often due to excessive heat buildup, hitting a pothole, or having a manufacturing defect. A blowout can lead to a sudden loss of control of the vehicle, making it one of the most dangerous tire issues a driver can encounter.

Understanding that a blowout is characterized by an immediate and complete drop in tire pressure is crucial for safe driving. Drivers should be aware of the signs of tire distress and maintain their tires appropriately to prevent such incidents. In contrast, the other scenarios—like a puncture, a flat tire, or a slow leak—are usually less severe than a blowout and do not typically result in such a sudden and complete loss of tire pressure.