What To Do if You Have a Tire Blowout

There are many dangers when on the road, but a tire blowout is not something people think will happen to them. While they are uncommon, it is essential to prepare for this situation and prevent them where possible. Read on for more tips and information on what to do if you have a tire blowout.

What is a Tire Blowout?

A tire blowout happens when there is a sudden drop in air pressure within a tire, often causing a very loud noise to occur. This loud popping noise results from the sudden drop in air pressure, instantly deflating the tire and causing it to go flat. The tire will come completely off of the rim in many instances, causing your vehicle to swerve and lose control. 

Because of how quickly this can occur, this is a very dangerous situation to encounter on the road. If your tire completely comes off, the tire scrap will be left on the street, causing a hazard for other drivers. It is important to be aware of the current state of your tires, the road conditions, and your surroundings so you can avoid accidents.

What Causes a Tire Blowout?

Many factors can cause a tire blowout: the first is how inflated your tires are before driving. If it's underinflated, it can distort the tire's shape and make it weaker. Or if the tire has too much air, it can also happen.

The circumstances you put your vehicle under can also contribute. If a car is severely overloaded with weight, this added pressure can make the tire to blow out. Additionally, unexpected impact to the tire can cause it, like hitting a curb or object. 

What To Do if You Have a Tire Blowout

If you have a tire blowout, your first instinct may be to slam on the brakes. However, your car just made a very loud noise and is likely swerving. In the small time frame you have to react, you should evaluate your surroundings. If you are going very fast on a main road surrounded by other drivers, slowing down may not be the best move. Slowing down your car while out of control is likely to make your car swerve more, which can be very dangerous around other drivers. 

As long as you are not about to hit anything in front of you, it is best to try and remain driving in the same manner you were before. If you can control your car from the initial swerving, you can then slowly and safely pull over. Other drivers around you will see what has gone wrong and will be sure to avoid your path if possible.

Once you have pulled over and are out of harm's way, assess your vehicle. Losing a tire means the metal of your car is making direct contact with the road. If there is any indication of fire or smoke, evacuate everyone from the vehicle and call 911. If you have a fire extinguisher, use that to control the flames. Call an ambulance if you or anyone else on the road was hurt and needs immediate assistance.

Lastly, if you feel in control of the situation and have the proper resources, replace your tire with a spare and continue on your way. However, consider getting your vehicle towed if the spare is not inflated correctly. Over or under inflation can be the cause of another blowout.