How to Handle a Tire Blowout While Driving: Safety Tips and Steps
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A tire blowout, which is a rapid loss of air pressure that can cause loss of control of the vehicle, is a dangerous situation that can happen to anyone, yet many drivers do not know how to respond safely. Why do you usually get tire blowouts when driving? They can happen if your tire pressure is off as well as encountering debris in the road, driving conditions, the age of your tires, the amount of wear and tear, and more.
This article will share top tips for handling your car if you experience a tire blowout, with information on controlling the steering wheel as well as hazard lights, spare tires, towing services, and more.
Immediate Actions to Take During a Blowout
What should you do if you have a tire blowout? If you experience a tire blowout, it is important to remain as calm as possible. Then, here are some immediate actions to take:
- Maintain steering control. You might be tempted to jerk the steering wheel in response to a blown tire or hearing a loud boom, but rather than do that, you should hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands and steer in the direction you want to go.
- Avoid sudden braking. Do not slam the brake pedal down. Retain your current speed to stabilize the vehicle.
- Gradually reduce speed. Reduce speed a little at a time as you continue to steer the car in the direction you want to go.
- Signal and pull over safely. Signal your move to other vehicles and pedestrians and pull over to the side of the road.
Then, take a deep breath! A blown tire can be surprising and stressful, and getting safely to the side of the road is a big win.
Safety Measures After Pulling Over
Once you have safely pulled off to the side of the road, the safety measures should continue:
- Turn on your emergency flashers or hazard lights immediately. This will signal that something is going on, and it will warn other cars that you are parked on the side of the road.
- Try to park in a safe location away from traffic. This is not always possible, but ideally, you should move as far from busy traffic as possible.
- Call for roadside assistance. Tell them your location and that you have a flat tire.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
To prevent tire blowouts from happening in the first place, consider these top tips for preventative maintenance:
- Regularly inspect your tires for issues such as tread wear, cracks, and bulges. If you see anything amiss with your tires, address it immediately.
- Make sure that tires are properly inflated. Both underinflated tires and overinflated tires can increase the risk of blowouts. Review your manufacturer's recommended air pressure and check tire pressure regularly.
- Balance and rotate tires to ensure even wear. Tire balancing will help your wheels rotate properly to maximize the health and lifespan of your tires. You should rotate your tires based on manufacturer specifications or earlier if you detect wear and tear or other issues.
It is also important to recognize when to replace your tires and not put off this essential task.
Emergency Kit Essentials
In addition to a tire pressure gauge, here are some items you should have in your car's emergency kit:
- A first-aid kit
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Blankets and extra clothes and boots
- Jumper cables
- Water and nonperishable food
- Cell phone charger
- Tire repair kit
- A basic toolkit
Depending on where you live, you may also need an ice scraper and shovel for the winter months. You should also know how to change a tire in the event of a flat or blown tire.
Understanding Your Vehicle's Handling
Your vehicle's handling refers to how your car responds when you steer, turn, brake, and take other actions. If you notice that your vehicle isn't handling well, it's slow to respond, or it oversteers or understeers, you should get it looked at immediately.
Stay Prepared: The Key to Handling a Tire Blowout Safely
Staying prepared and staying calm will help you handle a tire blowout safely. It is also important to have good auto insurance to cover you in the event of an accident or damage to your car. EverQuote provides free custom quotes that make it easy to compare multiple insurance providers to find the most affordable options with the features you need.
Car insurance prices change often, so it pays to take the time to regularly search for affordable car insurance. What causes a tire blowout will vary, but good insurance can protect you every time. Check out EverQuote today to find the best auto insurance for your driving and safety needs.