What Should You Do If You Have a Sudden Tire Blowout?

One of the most panic-causing events while driving is a tire blowout. When this happens, you’re likely to hear a loud boom or bang. Following the sound is very hard to control wheels that move either to the left or right. This experience can be frightening due to it being unprecedented. However, a lot of factors can also lead to it.

Thankfully, there are a few tips to perfectly handle cases of a tire blowout. These guides help you avert the precarious state, preventing potential harm. But to start with, let’s set the ground with what a tire blowout is and frequent occurrences in a typical tire blowout scenario.

What is a Tire Blowout?

Opposite to a flat tire, a tire blowout is a sudden tire deflation. Here, the pressure is rapidly reduced. Underinflation, increased temperature, overloading, wear, and punctures are probable causes of tire bursts.

In the past, due to the reduced quality of tires, this was almost an everyday thing with automobiles plying the road. Fortunately, improved technology has helped to address this issue. Different incorporations like in tyre installations Fairfield are now rightly in place to ensure safe vehicular movements.

Occurrences In a Blowout Case

As mentioned earlier, a large bang sound comes first. As air forcefully escapes out of the tire, a progressive whooshing sound can also be heard. Eventually, after complete deflation, flapping and flopping sound follow especially when you’re still actively driving on the road.

In addition, immediately the blowout happens, your car begins to slow down. This is called sensation. If it’s one of the front tires that’s blown, the other might tend to swerve towards it. Also, the back tires will begin some continuous swaying or shaking back and forth motions.

What To Do When You Are in a Tire Blowout Situation

In a tire blowout condition, fear and fright are quite reflexive. Even though those are natural, you’ll need to reenact calmness. This is because anxiety won’t make you opt for the right decisions which can be bad. Here are some other composure tips.

1.     Resist the urge to slam on your brakes

Instead of hitting your foot on the brake pedal, you can lightly march on the throttle to steady the vehicle. Pressing the accelerator wouldn’t increase your speed in this case so don’t panic yet. This is because the affected tire will cause a drag force.

2.      Have a solid grab of your steering wheel

Oftentimes, the other wheels will move in the direction of the blown tire. Ensure your hold on the steering is firm to prevent undesired wheel movements.

3.     Gradually slow down and pullover

Yes, even though you might have accelerated, that doesn’t mean your car would move pretty quickly. After accelerating, you can ease on the gas pedal to allow your vehicle to move slowly; as you slightly press the brake to put the vehicle to a halt.

4.     Put on your emergency indicators

If you’re still on the road, you must alert other drivers and road users. While you’re also parked by the roadside, set your cones, triangles, and other flashers to raise awareness.

5.     Replace the damaged tire

This is the ultimate step. Don’t keep moving with the blown tire(s). Make sure you’re provided with extras and replace them immediately.

Having a tire blowout can be fearsome. Regardless, taking the right precautions can also come in very useful. To counter the horror, face the situation level-headed.