How To Handle A Tire Blowout
Tire blowouts are unpredictable and are very dangerous since they occur while driving. A tire blowout can be caused by many different reasons, for instance, lack of proper tire maintenance, tear and wear, underinflation, high temperatures, etc.
A tire blowout can be described as when tires suddenly rupture and lose air rapidly due to built-up wear. It can happen in an instant, catching even the most experienced drivers off guard, fortunately, there are a few easy techniques that should help prevent you from getting into a major accident if you find yourself in such a predicament.
What Is A Tire Blowout?
It’s easy to mistake a flat tire for a tire blowout. However, they are two entirely different things. The sole difference between flat tires and a tire blowout is that the former involves a slow escape of air pressure, often caused by sharp objects on the road.
In contrast, the latter involves a rapid loss of air pressure caused by a lack of proper maintenance or other tire defects. Tire blowouts are a lot less frequent than in the past, and this is largely due to the incorporation of tire pressure monitoring systems in cars sold these days.
Things You’ll Notice During A Tire Blowout
Usually, tire blowouts are a result of incorrect tire pressure. By ensuring your tires have sufficient air pressure - not overly or underinflated- you’ll reduce the chances of a tire blowout and extend the lifespan of your tires. When your tires lack air pressure, their walls become flexible and more pliable each time you drive.
Underinflated tires are more susceptible to blowout under scorching temperatures. This simply means you have to be even more attentive to the state of your tires during these periods. It’s practically impossible not to notice when a tire blowout occurs. Here’s everything you’ll notice if it does:
1. A Loud Boom
This is the first thing you’ll notice when your tire blows. The loud noise results from the walls of your tires giving out and immediately losing significant amounts of air pressure. The popping noise is usually followed by a whooshing sound, which is basically air escaping. Once the air has been completely dispelled, you’ll then begin to hear the screeching sounds of your rims rubbing across the road.
2. Vibration
As your rims begin to make direct contact with the road, your car will vibrate and occasionally pull to either direction. This sudden loss of control can be likened to when a vehicle hydroplanes on a slippery road and can be frightening if you’ve never experienced such a thing.
What To Do In The Event Of A Tire Blowout
A blown tire is a serious issue. In fact, the loud bang is more than enough to put most drivers off balance, not to mention the loss of steering wheel control which can cause anyone to act irrationally and make costly mistakes. Here’s what you need to do to maintain control whenever your rear tires or a front tire blows while driving.
1. Stay Calm By Taking A Deep Breath
Before handling a tire blowout, it’s essential to get your head on straight so you don’t make mistakes. A great way to keep your head clear so you can safely handle a blowout is by taking long, deep breaths.
2. Maintain A Firm Grip On The Steering Wheel
Whatever you do, don’t let go of the steering wheel. It’s easy to get carried away and let your reflexes take charge. However, it’s important to avoid making sudden movements so you don’t lose control of your vehicle entirely. Avoid jerking the steering wheel in an attempt to regain control of your vehicle, as doing this will only prevent you from being able to drive straight.
3. Steer Straight
A blowout will unavoidably cause your car to wobble to either side of the road. To regain control of the vehicle, maintain a firm and straight grip on your steering wheel by using both hands. It’s crucial to avoid trying to redirect your car as it might cause it to turn excessively due to the strong pull of the deflated tire, putting you in danger of crashing into another vehicle or objects on the road.
4. Gently Step On The Gas Pedal Instead Of Slamming The Brakes
Naturally, the first thing that will come to mind when your car begins to pull in the opposite direction is to slam the parking brake. However, you must resist this urge as you’ll certainly not get the desired effect. Rather, slowly and gently press on the accelerator, then take your foot off to create drag and stabilize your vehicle.
5. Let Your Car Slow Down
After performing the aforementioned step, your vehicle would have lost most of its momentum, so it should be safe to pull over after your car stops drifting sideways. After gently taking your foot off the pedal, your car will be able to coast, then slow down. At this point, you can safely step on the brakes when you find somewhere safe to park.
7. Use Your Emergency Flashers Or Hazard Lights
Once your vehicle is parked, you might as well begin setting up flares around it or turn on your vehicle’s emergency lights so that other drivers can easily spot you. After this, you can safely change your blown-out tire or call a repair service or tow truck.
How To Prevent A Tire Blowout
A tire blowout can be a major hassle, especially if you drive an older car. luckily, there are several things you can do to prevent tire blowouts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the best way to save yourself the inconvenience of dealing with blown tires is with proper maintenance. This includes inspecting for signs of tear, maintaining the recommended tire pressure, and rotating your four tires every 5,000 miles.
Also, buy a spare tire from a tire shop if you plan to travel long distances. Remember to check your tire pressure gauge and drive at a safe speed when taking long trips during summer, as driving at high speeds on hot pavements will cause old tires or tires not properly inflated to wear even faster.
Final Words
Tire blowouts tend to happen more frequently around May through to October. This is due to the temperature surge around these periods, which causes roads to be hotter than usual, making them the two contributing factors that lead to worn tire treads. To keep your tires in good condition and reduce the likelihood of a blowout, conduct routine tire inspections, which should include checking for signs of wear, leaks, and monitoring tire pressure.
