Though tire blowouts are nowhere near as common as they once were (thankfully!), they are still among any driver’s worst nightmare while on the road. Switching from a leisurely drive to desperately trying to keep control of the car is not what anyone wants from their vehicle; this is why you need to know exactly what to do if this ever happens to you.
1. Come to a Steady Stop
Panic can set in quickly, so you have to keep control over both yourself and your vehicle, or else you might find yourself with a hefty repair bill. Do not slam on the brakes, as this might cause the car to spin or swerve – and depending on which tire bursts, you might have to focus on avoiding these swerves. Make sure your grip on the steering wheel is firm, and let it gradually slow down. Then, once you reach a much safer speed, pull to the side of the road and stop.
2. Replace the Tire
After parking as best as you can and putting on your emergency flashers, you might be able to change the tire yourself if you carry a spare (and a jack) for situations just like this. Make sure you put down your safety triangle before beginning any work, to signal that you are undertaking emergency work. However, spare tires are not meant to be used for long distances, so you will still need to get the vehicle professionally serviced once you’re in the clear and back on the road.
3. Call a Roadside Assistance Service
If you do not have a spare tire with you, or just forgot your jack this one time, then you might have to call in a roadside assistance service. This could take a bit of time depending on how many incidents they have to deal with, but these are seasoned professionals who can keep you on the road, and make sure your tire is repaired or replaced to a high standard. Depending on your policy, this could all be covered by insurance too.
4. Prevent It From Happening Again
If your tire suddenly bursts while on the road, that could be more than enough to make sure you’re committed to checking your tire pressure regularly. Keeping your travel load light should also help reduce the risk, as this puts less strain on the tires. On top of this, blowouts are common between May and October due to high temperatures on the road, so be extra careful in the summer months. Accidents do happen, however, which is why you should carry a spare tire at all times.