What Should You Do If You Blew a Tire?

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By: Taranjit | Last Updated: December 21, 2020

Did you know that, according to NHTSA, tire blowouts have been found to cause over 75,000 accidents and 400 deaths a year?

That is a ridiculously high number for something that could easily be avoided if you took simple precautions. It doesn’t take too much of your time to do a quick inspection of your tires before you drive off. Next time you go for a drive, walk around your car and check your tires.

1. Stay calm. Don’t panic.

It is absolutely important that you do not freak out in the moment. I know you may be on the verge of a panic when something like this happens, especially the first time it happens, but you need to make sure you stay calm. You will be able to handle the situation better when you are not stressing out.

While you are calming yourself, avoid turning the steering wheel or hitting the brakes to correct the situation. These actions could cause you to be in more of a pickle.

2. Hold the steering wheel firmly

Losing a tire could make it more difficult to steer or maneuver the car, and your car could start to veer right or left depending on the tire that you lost. Resist the urge to over compensate for the tugging you feel, and be sure to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and continue to make the car go straight.

3. Don’t hit the brakes

A natural instinct might be to hit the brakes whenever you feel something is wrong (I know it’s my instinct when something goes wrong), but don’t do that when you have lost a tire. This is the absolute worst thing you could do.

Don’t hit the brakes! Instead, once you have gained control of the vehicle, start to ease off the gas to help you slow down more gradually.

4. Safely pull over

Now that you let go of the accelerator and your car has started to slow down, make sure you warn the traffic around you that you are about to stop or pull over. Put on your emergency lights or indicator to warn the other drivers so they can prepare for your next moves.

And when it is safe to do so, pull over and slowly apply the brakes after your car has reached 20 mph or less.

5. Apply your emergency brake

Now that you have safely pulled over and brought your vehicle to a stop, aapply your emergency brakes and make sure your emergency lights are on.

6. Change your tire/Call for help

If you have a spare and know how to change a tire, replace the flat with a spare, but make sure you are aware of your surroundings especially if you are on the side of the road. People don’t always pay attention and you need to keep an eye out for the moving cars.

Don’t know how to change a tire?

Don’t worry. You can phone a friend. Call roadside assistance if you have it or call a friend or family member who can come down and lend you a hand.