When tire blowouts occur, many people are not prepared as they can happen very suddenly. Not only can blowouts happen suddenly, they can also be dangerous, especially at higher speeds. When losing control of the vehicle, most reactions can often lead into more trouble. Not everyone knows how to properly handle a sudden tire blowout. This is why Citywide Towing Service would like to share how to properly react to an unexpected tire blowout in order to maintain control and safety.
What Does a Tire Blowout Cause the Vehicle to Do & How to Drive Through It?
When a tire blowout occurs, often panic sets in and most people will first slam on their brakes and sometimes even turn the steering wheel to regain control. Both are the wrong reactions. When a blowout occurs, you will need a firm grip on the steering wheel. For the best control, place a hand on the 10 o’clock position and the other at 2 o’clock position on the steering wheel. With a firm grip on the steering wheel, maintain driving the vehicle straight forward and never tap the brakes. Do not attempt to pull off the side of the road until the vehicle has slowed down. If you try to pull over at higher speeds, you can lose control of the vehicle. Once you have control of the vehicle, reach for your emergency light to help warn other drivers of a problem. Again, do not slam on the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the gas and allow the vehicle to slow down on its own. Once the vehicle is under 30 mph, begin moving toward the side of the road. You can also begin to apply pressure to the brakes once the vehicle is under 30 mph. In so doing, you will still maintain control. If you find you need more speed to get enough momentum to keep the vehicle going in order to reach a safe place to pull over, lightly put pressure on the gas. However never exceed speeds over 25 mph. Again, keep hazard lights on to alert other drivers that you’re attempting to pull off the road. Once you are off the road and in a safe place, you can either change the blown out tire or contact someone for help. Before changing out the tire make sure there is no damage to the rotor. If the rotor has been damaged it may not be safe to drive on or hold the spare tire. If there is damage to the rotor, then consider having the vehicle towed to your local mechanic or to your home.
How to Prevent Tire Blowout Damage
Blowouts can happen at any time. To help reduce the chances of an unexpected blowout, make sure to properly maintain your tires. Regularly inspect the tire pressure and add air when needed. Additionally, monitor the tire’s tread. The tire tread provides better grip to the road but as the tread thins down, you’re also at risk of a blowout. Replace tires once the tire tread is too low.
Flat Tire Changes, Towing & Roadside Assistance in Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, Combine, Coppell, DeSoto, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Glenn Heights, Grapevine, Highland Park, Hutchins, Lancaster, Lewisville, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, University Park, Wilmer, Wylie, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Mesquite & Greater Dallas, Texas
Citywide Towing Service wants to help ensure better safety on the road and hopes to help prepare you for the unexpected. If you find you require roadside assistance or towing services, contact Citywide Towing Service.
