Tire-blowout season runs roughly from the middle of May through early October. This is the time when the outside temperatures are the warmest and drivers are travelling longer distances. Do you know what to do if this happens?
Since tire blowouts are not completely avoidable, it’s important to know what to do if it happens. The experts at Nokian Tyres, a leading tire manufacturer, share their key tips to keep in mind:
- Remain calm.Keeping your cool may seem like an unrealistic expectation, especially when something as scary as a tire blowout is occurring, but you will be doing yourself a favour by keeping your head and handling the situation in a composed manner.
- Control the vehicle.Gently remove your foot from the accelerator and let the vehicle slow down gradually. Keep your hands firmly on the wheel and guide the vehicle straight ahead. The tires are going to try to pull towards one side, but it’s extremely important to not turn the car. Pull over to the shoulder and come to a complete stop. If possible, try to pull over with the damaged tire facing away from traffic. This will make it easier and safer to observe and replace the tire.
- Make yourself visible to other drivers.It is vital to make you and your vehicle visible to other drivers on the road. Once the vehicle has safely come to a complete stop, turn on the emergency flashers and observe your surrounding conditions. If the road conditions are safe, exit the vehicle, put out reflective cones if available, and assess the situation.
- Observe the damage.If one or more of the tires looks flat, low or shows detachment or other damage, remove the tire assembly and replace it with a properly inflated spare. Bumps or bulges may indicate detachment within the tire body and require inspection by a qualified tire technician.
- Replace the damaged tire.Your owner’s manual will tell you where to find the spare and the tools needed to change it. If you don’t know how to switch the tire, call for roadside assistance. It’s imperative not to try to drive on the flat tire. Not only is this extremely dangerous, but it can cause more harm to your vehicle and come with a steep repair cost. Keep in mind that spares are only recommended for emergency situations and should not be driven on for long distances or at high speeds.
