What is the method to handle a tire blowout on the highway?
3 Answers
Methods to handle a tire blowout on the highway: 1. Stay calm and use engine braking to allow the car to coast slowly. 2. Do not suddenly release the accelerator pedal; instead, gradually ease off the throttle, as a blowout causes strong deceleration. 3. Avoid pressing the brake pedal, as this can further destabilize the vehicle, leading to fishtailing or rollover. 4. Hold the steering wheel firmly to maintain control and avoid sudden steering movements. You can use intermittent braking by rhythmically pressing and releasing the brake pedal. 5. Try to pull over onto the emergency lane. Once stopped, turn on the hazard lights and place the warning triangle 150 meters behind the vehicle in the direction of oncoming traffic. 6. Do not stay in the emergency lane or inside the car; move behind the guardrail to wait for assistance. 7. At this point, you can call the national highway emergency number 12122 or change the spare tire yourself.
I've been driving long distances on highways for decades and have personally experienced several tire blowouts. I know that when a tire blows out, it's crucial to stay calm and absolutely avoid slamming on the brakes. I firmly grip the steering wheel to prevent the car from losing control, gently tap the brakes to reduce speed, and simultaneously turn on the hazard lights to warn vehicles behind me. Slowly, I maneuver the car to the emergency stopping lane or shoulder, park it securely, and immediately retrieve the triangular warning sign from the trunk to place it 100 meters behind the car to prevent secondary collisions. If I can handle it myself, I quickly change the tire using the spare tire in the car; otherwise, I call for professional assistance. Most tire blowouts are caused by tire aging or punctures from stones, so I always check tire pressure and wear during regular maintenance. I also choose high-quality brand tires to ensure safer driving and peace of mind, preventing minor issues from turning into major disasters.
Last time when I had a tire blowout on the highway, my palms were sweating from nervousness, especially since I had just gotten my driver's license. But I remembered the lesson about not slamming on the brakes. I gripped the steering wheel tightly to keep straight, gently pressed the accelerator to slow down to a low speed, and quickly turned on the hazard lights to pull over to the roadside. After getting out of the car, I realized the warning sign was placed too close, almost causing another accident. Later, I learned to place it farther away. Changing the spare tire was a bit of a mess, but fortunately, I had practiced a few times by watching videos. As a beginner, it's important to pay more attention to tire conditions, like checking the tire pressure monthly to ensure it's normal. This way, if I encounter another emergency, I can respond faster to protect myself and avoid accidental injuries or vehicle damage.
