Can You Apply Brakes When a Tire Blows Out?
2 Answers
No. Here are the reasons for a tire blowout: Tire leakage: When punctured by nails or other sharp objects without immediate rupture, the tire may start leaking air, eventually leading to a blowout. Excessive tire pressure: During high-speed driving, tire temperature rises, increasing air pressure and causing deformation. This reduces the tire's elasticity and increases the load on the vehicle. Any impact under these conditions can cause internal cracks or blowouts, which is why such incidents are more common in summer. Insufficient tire pressure: At high speeds (over 120km/h), low tire pressure can lead to 'harmonic vibration' in the tire, generating significant resonant forces. If the tire is not robust enough or already damaged, it is prone to blowouts. Additionally, low pressure increases the tire's sinking depth, making the sidewall more likely to contact the ground during sharp turns. Since the sidewall is the weakest part of the tire, such contact can also result in a blowout.
Whether to hit the brakes during a tire blowout is a critical question. As someone who drives frequently, I know the car can sway violently when a tire blows, which feels terrifying. Slamming on the brakes immediately can cause the tires to lose traction, making the car prone to skidding or rolling over. The best approach in this situation is to stay calm, firmly grip the steering wheel to maintain control and prevent swerving, then lightly tap the brakes to gradually slow down. Once the speed drops to around 30-40 mph, safely pull over to the roadside. Regular tire maintenance is also essential—check tire pressure and tread wear periodically, especially before long highway drives in summer. Taking preventive measures can help avoid such dangerous situations. After all, safety comes first, and these tips could be lifesavers in critical moments.
