What to Do When Experiencing a Tire Blowout on the Highway
3 Answers
Here are the steps to handle a tire blowout on the highway: 1. Stay calm if your car experiences a tire blowout on the highway. Use engine braking to allow the car to coast slowly, which means manually shifting gears. Do not suddenly release the accelerator pedal; instead, gradually ease off it, as a blown tire causes significant deceleration. Avoid pressing the brake pedal, as this could further destabilize the car, leading to skidding or rollover. Firmly hold the steering wheel to maintain control and avoid sudden turns. You can use intermittent braking by rhythmically pressing and releasing the brake pedal. 2. Try to pull the car over to the emergency lane. Once stopped, turn on the hazard lights and place the triangular warning sign 150 meters behind the car in the direction of oncoming traffic. Additionally, do not stay in the emergency lane or inside the car; move outside the guardrail to wait for assistance. At this point, you can call the nationwide highway rescue hotline at 12122 or change to the spare tire yourself.
When I first got my driver's license, I experienced a tire blowout on the highway and remember being quite scared. However, that experience taught me some key points: when encountering a tire blowout on the highway, the most important thing is not to panic. Firmly grip the steering wheel to keep the car moving straight, and definitely don't slam on the brakes, as that can easily lead to loss of control. Then, lightly press the accelerator or clutch to gradually slow down while turning on the hazard lights to signal to the cars behind. Find a safe opportunity to pull over to the right into the emergency stopping lane—never stop in a traffic lane. Afterward, check the car's condition. If you can change the spare tire yourself, use the jack and tools to do so, but since traffic moves quickly on the highway, I usually call for a tow truck or wait for assistance, which is safer. A tire blowout can be caused by tire aging or punctures, so I now regularly check tire pressure and wear as a preventive measure. Safety comes first, and staying focused while driving can also reduce risks.
As a parent, I often remind my child how to handle a tire blowout on the highway. This is a matter of life safety, and the key is to develop good habits. First, take a deep breath to calm down and not let emotions take over. Firmly grip the steering wheel without turning it, and gradually ease off the accelerator to slow down to a safe speed. Then, turn on the hazard warning lights and slowly pull over to the shoulder, making sure not to block others. After stopping, immediately set up a warning triangle away from the traffic lane to ensure the safety of yourself and passengers. I usually advise against rushing to change the tire, as highway conditions are too dangerous—it's best to contact roadside assistance or a service area. Regularly practice tire-changing skills with your child and frequently check tire pressure and condition to prevent blowouts. Developing a habit of regular maintenance can significantly reduce risks.
