What Diogo Jota’s Tragic Death Teaches Us , Tyre Blowout Safety Tips : A wake up call

Diogo Jota's tragic accident exposes the danger of tyre blowouts. Discover life-saving tyre blowout safety tips every Nigerian driver must know.

Anthony Umezinwa

7/3/20253 min read

diogo jota image tribute after passing away due to tyre blowout
diogo jota image tribute after passing away due to tyre blowout

On July 3, 2025, the football world was shaken by the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota’s passing. The 28-year-old Liverpool forward, known for his sharp instincts and tireless work ethic, died in a car accident alongside his younger brother, André Silva, in Zamora, Spain.

According to reports, the Lamborghini they were travelling in suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle. The car veered off the road, burst into flames, and both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.

The world mourns a star. But as a tyre safety advocates, we see something deeper:

⚠️ This was not just a tragedy. It was a warning.

This Could Happen to Anyone, Even in Nigeria

In Nigeria, tyre-related accidents are one of the top causes of highway fatalities. Just last year, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported that over 2,000 road crashes were caused by tyre failure,many due to expired, underinflated, or fake tyres.

Like Jota, millions of Nigerians hit the road every day. But how many of us really check our tyres?

a burst tyre
a burst tyre

What Causes a Tyre Blowout?

A tyre blowout is a sudden loss of pressure that causes the tyre to explode or rapidly deflate. It usually leads to loss of control, and in high-speed situations like Jota’s, it can be deadly.

Common causes include:

  • Underinflation (too little air)

  • Overinflation (too much air)

  • Worn-out tread or sidewall damage

  • High-speed driving on poor-quality tyres

  • Using expired or fake tyres (very common in Nigeria)

  • Driving in extreme heat or long distances

Signs Your Tyre Might Be Dangerous

Although i have talked about this previously about 5 signs your car tyre is bad, If you spot any of the following, you need to change your tyres immediately:

  • Cracks or dry rot on the sidewall

  • Bald or uneven tread

  • Bulges or bubbles on the tyre surface

  • A manufacturing date older than 4 years (Check the DOT code!)

  • Strange vibration or pulling to one side

Tip: Even premium tyres should be replaced after 5-6 years, regardless of mileage.

a close up of a premium michelin tire on a car
a close up of a premium michelin tire on a car

Why You Must Invest in Premium Tyres

A car like Jota’s Lamborghini should not have failed, yet even supercars are only as safe as their tyres.

Cheap, worn-out, or counterfeit tyres are timebombs. And unfortunately, they flood Nigerian markets.

That’s why at Tyrepublic.com, we only offer trusted brands like:

  • Michelin – Exceptional grip, heat resistance, and durability

  • Maxxis – Rugged performance at competitive pricing

  • Bridgestone – Smooth, safe rides for everyday drivers

Every tyre we sell is authentic, date-verified, and fitted by experts.

Don’t Let Diogo Jota’s Death Be in Vain

Diogo Jota was more than a footballer. He was a father, a brother, a newlywed, a role model.

His tragic passing is a reminder: tyre safety is not a luxury, it’s a responsibility.

Whether you drive a Lexus, Toyota, or Mercedes in Lagos… or a keke in Abuja, your tyres are your first line of defence.

Final Word: When Was the Last Time You Checked Your Tyres?

The news of this tragic passing is a shock to me especially after seeing that it was a very avoidable death, If it’s been over 6 months, or if you’ve never checked the date, pressure, or tread, it’s time. Please , do not be the victim of tyre accidents

Tyrepublic offers:

  • Free tyre inspection advice

  • Genuine premium tyres for all vehicles

  • Safe home delivery and installation options

👉 Visit Tyrepublic.com today.
👉 Call us. Check your tyres. Protect your life.