What to Do When a Tire Blows Out?

[JordanDella]

Many people mistakenly believe that stepping on the brake pedal is the right emergency response, but in reality, braking can further destabilize the vehicle. Avoid abruptly lifting your foot off the accelerator; instead, gradually ease off the throttle. Strive to keep the vehicle moving straight. Once the vehicle comes to a stop, promptly place a warning triangle 100 meters behind the vehicle and then call for assistance.

[Bilbo]

Just saw a car tire blowout on the highway two days ago, which really tests your reflexes. When you notice a blowout, don't slam on the brakes immediately. The most important thing is to grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands and let the car coast straight. Then gently apply the brakes to slow down, and only move to the emergency lane when the speed drops to a safe range. Remember to place the triangular warning sign 200 meters in advance, and turn on the hazard lights at night! Here's a bonus tip: Regularly checking tire wear can prevent most blowouts, especially if you notice bulges or cracks on the sidewalls—replace them immediately.

[DeFernando]

When dealing with a flat tire, staying calm is the first priority. The loud bang of a tire blowout can be terrifying, but jerking the steering wheel can easily cause the car to roll over. You should gently apply the brakes at a steady speed to let the car slow down naturally, as slamming on the brakes at this point can be dangerous. Then, move the car to the hard shoulder as quickly as possible, and have all passengers exit the vehicle and stand outside the guardrail. When changing the spare tire, find a flat surface and firmly engage the handbrake. If female drivers lack the strength, they shouldn’t force it—calling 122 for roadside assistance is the safer option.

[AnnaLynn]

Last time my friend had a flat tire on the provincial highway and suffered losses, I learned these details: When the vehicle drifts, gently push the steering wheel in the same direction to correct it—don't fight against the steering wheel! The most stable way to brake is by pressing the brake pedal three times in succession, similar to the effect of ABS anti-lock braking. Don't install the spare tire on the drive wheels, and never exceed 80 km/h with a non-full-size spare tire. Remember to check the tire tread monthly using a coin—if the entire chrysanthemum pattern is visible when inserting the coin, it's time to replace the tire.

[FrankDella]

The most common issue we see in our repair shop is tire blowouts caused by uneven tire pressure. In summer, it's safer to keep the tire pressure slightly lower than the standard by 0.2 bar. If a blowout occurs, remember three don'ts: don't slam on the brakes, don't jerk the steering wheel, and don't exit the vehicle immediately! After stopping, when changing the tire, first loosen the bolts diagonally, and when using the jack, make sure to position it under the reinforced chassis beam. After changing the tire, be sure to tighten the bolts in a diagonal sequence in three stages—many beginners make mistakes at this step, damaging the suspension.

[Layla]

Only after experiencing a flat tire as a beginner did I realize the importance of preparation. Now, I always keep an electric air pump and emergency tire repair strips in my car, and I check the spare tire pressure every quarter. The moment a flat tire actually occurs is when I'm most alert: my hands are welded to the 3 and 9 o'clock positions on the steering wheel, I check the road conditions in the rearview mirror with my peripheral vision, and I slowly change lanes with the turn signal on. When changing a tire after parking, I always place stones in front of and behind the wheels. If there's an anti-roll slope, I also use stones to lock the tires in place. Safety details cannot be neglected.