What to Do When a Car Tire Bursts on the Road?
2 Answers
Handling a tire burst on the highway: Firmly grip the steering wheel and do nothing else temporarily. After the vehicle stabilizes, brake slowly and move away from the main road. Remember not to brake suddenly to avoid the vehicle fishtailing or rolling over due to uneven braking force. Below is an introduction to tire burst situations: 1. Front tire burst: Since the front tires are crucial for steering, a burst will significantly affect the car's direction. In case of a front tire burst, firmly grip the steering wheel, wait for stability, then brake slowly and move away from the main road. Avoid repeatedly jerking the steering wheel and do not slam on the brakes. After stopping, place a warning triangle behind the vehicle to prevent secondary accidents. 2. Rear tire burst: Compared to a front tire burst, a rear tire burst is less dangerous. The driver only needs to hold the steering wheel firmly, shift the car's center of gravity forward to let the intact front tires bear the load, reducing the pressure on the burst rear tire.
I've experienced tire blowouts on the road several times, and the key to handling it is staying calm and safe. First, stabilize the steering wheel immediately without making sudden turns, allowing the car to gradually slow down and coast to a safe spot by the roadside, such as an emergency stopping lane or a wider bicycle lane. After parking, turn on the hazard lights right away to alert vehicles behind you. Then quickly retrieve the warning triangle from the trunk—place it 50 meters behind the car on regular roads and 150 meters on highways. Next, change to the spare tire: locate the car's jack and wrench, loosen the lug nuts slightly first, then use the jack to lift the car body securely without slipping. Remove the flat tire completely, install the spare, and tighten the nuts—remember, spare tires are only good for up to 80 km. If you can't change the tire or don't have a spare, call roadside assistance or use an app to request a tow truck. For safety, avoid driving fast after changing the tire and visit a repair shop as soon as possible to fix the flat. Develop a habit of checking tire pressure and wear weekly to minimize the risk of blowouts from high temperatures or speeds.
