A tire blowout is a rapid loss of tire air pressure that can cause your vehicle to lose control. Although maintaining proper tire pressure can help you avoid blowouts, it’s not always possible. Here are some tips to help you stay safe in the event of a blowout.
What should I do if I have a tire blowout while driving?
The goal in any blowout is to keep the vehicle balanced and controllable. Do not panic. Any overreaction – including slamming on the brakes or abruptly removing your foot from the accelerator – can result in a loss of control over the vehicle. Instead, you should take the following steps:
- Hold the steering wheel with both hands.
- Maintain your vehicle speed if possible and if it’s safe to do so.
- Gradually release the accelerator.
- Correct the steering as necessary to stabilize your vehicle and regain control. Look where you want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction.
- Once your vehicle has stabilized, continue to slow down and pull off the road where and when you judge it’s safe to do so.
Is there a difference if my front tire blows out as opposed to my rear tire?
No matter which tire blows out—front or back—the steps for safely maintaining control of your vehicle are the same. The difference is in how you will feel it. In a front tire blowout, you will feel the force more in the vehicle’s steering. In a rear blowout, you will feel it more in the seat or body of the vehicle.
Source: United States Department of Transportation, “Tire Blow Outs” http://www.nhtsa.gov website. Accessed February 12, 2020. https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/tires
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