Will the Direction Be Out of Control if the Rear Tire Blows Out?
2 Answers
In this situation, the direction will be out of control. The danger of a rear tire blowout is far greater than that of a front tire blowout, especially for rear-wheel-drive models. At the moment of a rear tire blowout, the car will immediately fishtail and lose control, with almost no chance of recovery. When a rear tire blows out, the adhesion of one side of the tire disappears instantly, causing the car to immediately sideslip and fishtail, similar to how a car slides on an icy road. Generally, if a front tire blows out, a left front tire blowout will cause the car to veer to the left, and a right front tire blowout will cause it to veer to the right. However, with a rear tire blowout, the car loses steering force and may suddenly experience oversteering, commonly referred to as "fishtailing." In severe cases of fishtailing, the car may spin out, as seen in movies or live racing broadcasts. Therefore, comparatively speaking, at high speeds, the danger caused by a rear tire blowout is more severe. For example, if the right rear tire blows out, the resistance of the blown-out wheel increases by about 30 times, causing the car to experience a clockwise yaw moment. This yaw moment makes the car veer to the right while simultaneously generating a lateral force pointing toward the inside of the blown-out tire, causing the rear of the car to slide inward toward the blown-out tire.
When a rear tire blows out, the steering wheel may not completely lose control, but you will feel significant shaking or the rear end starting to slide. As someone who frequently drives long distances, I believe the most crucial thing is to stay calm: keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel without sudden movements, gently tap the brakes to slow down, and avoid slamming on them; then slowly pull over to the side. After the vehicle's balance is disrupted, directional control becomes difficult, but as long as you remain composed, you can still adjust the direction. This is usually caused by tire aging, insufficient pressure, or punctures from foreign objects. I've seen similar accidents where drivers panicked, jerked the wheel, and ended up rolling the car. Therefore, make it a habit to check tire pressure and wear monthly, and take an extra look before hitting the highway—this can significantly reduce the chances of a blowout. Remember, the higher the speed, the greater the danger, and prevention is more important than reaction.
