How to Safely Handle a Tire Blowout
Author: Brent Axel Francisco
Experiencing a tire blowout while driving can be alarming and dangerous. Knowing how to handle tire blowout to respond promptly and safely is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring your safety. In this guide, we’ll cover essential steps to take during a tire blowout, how to prevent them, and the must-have items for your vehicle to stay prepared.
Stay Calm and Maintain Control
Handle a Tire Blowout, stay calm and take quick action. Let the car slow down naturally while keeping it straight, then steer carefully to the shoulder or a safe spot. Turn on hazard lights to alert others. Once stopped, engage the parking brake and exit the vehicle if safe. If you can’t change the tire or conditions are unsafe, call for roadside assistance.
Guide Your Vehicle to Safety
Let the vehicle decelerate naturally while keeping it as straight as possible. Once your speed decreases, steer carefully toward the shoulder or a safe area away from traffic. Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation.
After Coming to a Stop
Engage the parking brake once stationary to prevent the vehicle from rolling. If it’s safe, exit the vehicle and move to a secure location away from traffic. If you can’t change the tire yourself or conditions are unsafe, call for professional assistance or roadside help.
Regular tire maintenance is key to preventing blowouts and ensuring safety. Inspect your tires often for wear, proper inflation, and damage. Use a tire pressure gauge to maintain the correct pressure, as underinflated or overinflated tires are more likely to fail. Avoid overloading your vehicle, as it stresses your tires. Replace tires when they show significant wear, aging, or low tread depth. These steps help reduce blowout risks and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
REFERENCES
AAA Club Alliance. (n.d.). How to handle a tire explosion while driving. AAA. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://cluballiance.aaa.com/the-extra-mile/articles/prepare/car/tire-explosion-while-driving
Kicked Tires. (n.d.). How do tires blow out: Causes, prevention, and safety tips. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://kickedtires.com/how-do-tires-blow-out-causes-prevention-and-safety-tips/
The Tire Reviews. (n.d.). How to control a tire blowout. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://thetirereviews.com/how-to-control-a-tire-blowout/
Reliable Counter. (n.d.). Tire blowouts: Why they happen, & how to avoid them. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.reliablecounter.com/blog/tire-blowouts-why-they-happen-how-to-avoid-them/