How to Handle a Car Tire Blowout on the Highway
2 Answers
Methods for handling a car tire blowout on the highway: 1. Do not slam on the brakes. After a blowout, drivers instinctively tend to brake, but in the case of a tire blowout, heavy braking can cause the vehicle to lose balance and veer out of control. Therefore, do not brake immediately after a blowout. 2. Do not immediately release your foot from the accelerator pedal. It is recommended to maintain some throttle for a short period before gradually easing off the accelerator. 3. Try to keep the vehicle moving straight. After a tire blowout, turning or jerking the steering wheel can destabilize the vehicle, causing it to veer to one side. If this happens, stay calm and counter-steer in the opposite direction of the veer to maintain straight-line movement and control the vehicle's motion.
When experiencing a tire blowout on the highway, first stay calm, grip the steering wheel firmly, and avoid sudden braking. Gradually release the accelerator to let the speed decrease steadily, turn on the right turn signal, and pull over to the emergency lane. After stopping, immediately activate the hazard lights to alert following vehicles. Check the rearview mirror for safety before exiting the vehicle, and place the warning triangle at least 150 meters behind the car to prevent rear-end collisions. Then inspect the blown tire. If you have tools and a spare tire, it's best to change it yourself—use the jack to lift the vehicle, loosen the bolts, and replace the tire. However, due to heavy traffic and high risks on highways, I usually just perform a preliminary check before returning to the car, locking the doors, and calling for roadside assistance or a tow truck to wait for professional help. Throughout the process, never linger on the road to avoid secondary accidents. After handling the situation, drive to a repair shop immediately for a thorough inspection of the tire and chassis damage. I also make it a habit to check tire pressure monthly and inspect tire wear regularly to prevent blowouts.
