Angelina Jolie (DFree/Bigstock.com)

Angelina Jolie has been involved in a car crash in Beverley Hills after her hire car skidded and hit a curb, causing two of the vehicle's tyres to explode.

One witness told X17 Online: "The car slammed into the curb at significant speed. Angelina must have wondered if they hit another car.

"It was pretty bad – the tire exploded and it's amazing nothing worse happened to the car. I wouldn't be surprised if she had whiplash."

Someone in another hire car picked up Jolie soon after the incident.

The actress and director, 39, had just attended a screening of her new war-based drama Unbroken, which she produced and directed.

What causes tyres to explode?

While we do not know the precise details surrounding Angelina Jolie's exploding tyre incident, the heavy impact appears to be the main cause.

But poorly maintained tyres can increase the chances of a tyre exploding. Such incidents are normally called 'blow outs' and occasionally result in injuries or even death.

The exterior of a car tyre is a rubber casing which protects the wheel casing. This casing can easily be damaged without any visible signs on the outside.

Hitting a curb – as in the case of Jolie's car – or a pothole could cause a tyre's casing to be damaged.

Casing damage is even more of a concern as it is not always picked up by MOT tests, since tyres are not removed during the examination.

Aside from using the services of a good vehicle recovery provider in case you encounter a ‘blow-out’ – or indeed any other mechanical problem – it is important that your tyres are compatible and in good condition.

They should also be inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer and have a tread depth above 1.6mm around the whole circumference of the tyre and across three quarters of the tyre width.