It’s pretty common that tire blowout at the end of spring and throughout the summer from the heat and pressure in the air. When you face a tire blowout it is important to know how to safely drive and pull over to avoid an accident to the best of your ability. We’re sure you’ve been on the highway and see quite a few tire bits littering the roads. Tire blowouts can be extremely dangerous if you are unprepared for handling this situation. We give you a few tips on what it feels like and how to handle it below!
Preventing a Blowout
You want to do your best to prevent a tire blowout, especially during the summer months. Oftentimes, a blowout happens due to underinflation of the tire. Today many cars have a tire pressure monitor in the car. It is important to pay attention to the light when it comes up, this usually means you have lost
What Does It Feel Like
If you are traveling at a fast speed, you will feel the car begin to slow down, it will then swerve left or right depending on which side the tire was blown. If you blow out a front tire you will feel the swerve more in the steering wheel; however, if you a rear tire bursts you will feel it in the body of your car and your seat. Whichever tire blows out your reaction needs to be the same and stay calm.
How to Drive
The most important thing you can do after your tire blows out is to control the panic you feel. While it may seem irresponsible to drive through the blowout, it is important to do so. These are a few tips to keep you and those around you safe:
- Keep your hands on the steering wheel
- Do not slam on your breaks
- Allow your car to slow down
- Pull off to the side when you have regained control
- Turn on your hazard lights
Once you feel the tire blowout it is important to not slam on your breaks as this can make matters worse. By slamming on the breaks this can cause the car to potentially roll which is not what you want to happen. By staying calm, gripping the steering wheel, and getting the car back into the lane you help to prevent a serious accident. You want to keep your car going and slowly take your foot off the break and safely pull to the side.
After the Blowout
Once you have safely pulled off to the side of the road, take a breath, and gather yourself. We know just how scary it can be in this situation, and as we mentioned above it is important to stay as calm as possible. Now that you are safely pulled aside turn on your flashers to alert other drivers and place out orange cones or triangles if you have any. Read your owner’s manual for tire changing assistance and remember that spare tires should not be driven on for long distances. If you feel as though you are unable to change the tire yourself or are not in a safe spot on the side of the road to do so, it is a good idea to call for roadside assistance.
Once you have finished changing the tire or you have called for roadside assistance you can get on with driving to your destination. Remember to get your tires checked every so often, especially in this Arizona heat. Routine inspections are important to help prevent a tire blowout from happening to you. We hope that this article helps you to prepare for a potential tire blowout. If are looking to update your car contact VIP European Auto today! We’re happy to help give you new upholstery, work on your convertible top, and give your seats a repair.
