How to Handle a Tire Blowout

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By Justin Moore
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Handle a Tire Blowout

This is what to do if you experience a tire blowout. Knowing what to do when you have a blowout can help save your life. Most of the time you have no idea that it is about to happen. This is why you need to know what to do before it ever happens to you. The difference between a blowout and a flat tire is that a blowout happens suddenly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Stay calm. When a blowout first happens you may not realise what has happened. You need to immediately hold the wheel with both hands and let off of the throttle gently. Do not "snap" off of the throttle. You do not want to make any sudden movements in this situation as you may upset the vehicle.
Step 2

Put on your hazard flashers immediately. 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 need to get to the side of the road immediately. This will allow people 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.
Step 3

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. 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. For information on how to change a tire, please see my other article.