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How to Handle a Tire Blowout

91preludesi | Mar 10, 2011 |

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Stay Calm

When a blowout first happens the loud pop may scare you. You need to immediately hold the wheel with both hands and let off of the throttle gently. Never "snap" off the accelerator. You do not want to make any sudden movements in this situation as you may upset the vehicle and lose control. Check your mirrors frequently as you are slowing down to know where other traffic and obstacles are.

Put on your hazard flashers immediately.

Do not put on your turn signal to get to the side of the road. Putting on your turn signal will only let other drivers know that you want to turn or change lanes. If they see hazard lights they will know that you are experiencing trouble and need to get to the side of the road immediately. This will allow other drivers to give you room to get to the side of the road. Once you have your hazard lights on, check all of your mirrors. When it is safe to do so, gently ease the vehicle to the right side of the road. Only lightly apply the brakes. Hitting the brakes too hard could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and result in a wreck. Remember that there is no longer any traction in the blown tire.

Pull far enough off the road to be clear of traffic.

If you can avoid it, do not pull over on the left side of the road. This is closest to the fast lane, and can increase the risk of injury. Most drivers are more aware of vehicles pulled over on the right side of the road. Pull as far off of the road as you safely can, while allowing a stable surface to change the tire on. Always try to exit on the passenger side of the vehicle, away from traffic. If possible, have a passenger watch traffic for you while you change the tire.