What to Do When a Tire Blows Out on the Highway?
2 Answers
When a tire blows out on the highway, you should drive the car to the emergency lane and turn on the hazard lights, with the warning triangle placed at least 150 meters away. Below is a detailed guide on how to handle a tire blowout on the highway: 1. Hold the steering wheel firmly: Do nothing until the vehicle stabilizes, then slowly move away from the main lane. Remember not to brake suddenly to avoid skidding or rolling over. 2. "Front tire" blowout: The front tire controls the car's steering, so a front tire blowout significantly affects the vehicle's direction. The first action when a front tire blows out is to grip the steering wheel tightly, stabilize the car, then brake gently and move away from the main lane. During this process, avoid repeatedly turning the steering wheel or braking abruptly. Once stopped, place a warning triangle behind the vehicle to prevent secondary accidents. 3. "Rear tire" blowout: Compared to a front tire blowout, a rear tire blowout is less dangerous. The driver should hold the steering wheel firmly and gently pump the brakes to shift the car's weight forward, allowing the intact front tires to bear more weight and reduce the pressure on the blown-out rear tire. Remember not to press the brakes too hard. 4. Follow-up actions: If there is no spare tire and no repair shop nearby, turn on the hazard lights and drive slowly to a repair shop or call for assistance. If you have a spare tire, find a flat, hard surface to change it, avoiding slopes to prevent accidents from slipping.
That time on the highway when the tire suddenly blew out, the whole car was shaking, my heart was racing but I stayed calm. I immediately turned on the hazard lights to signal the cars behind not to get too close. Then I gently tapped the brakes to slow down—never slam them suddenly or you might lose control—and slowly coasted the car to the emergency lane before coming to a complete stop. After turning off the engine, I quickly activated the hazard warning lights, grabbed the triangular warning sign, and walked at least 100 meters behind the car to place it, then moved to the safe area outside the guardrail. I had a spare tire and tools, so I spent ten minutes changing it myself and got back on the road. But if you're not familiar with the process, don't push your luck—call your insurance company or roadside assistance for faster help. Looking back, most blowouts happen due to low tire pressure or aging tires. I recommend checking tire pressure and tread wear before hitting the highway and testing them monthly to avoid risks. Safety is king—in situations like this, protecting yourself is more important than saving the car.
