How to Handle a Tire Blowout

Posted August 3, 2021

Drivers in Colorado encounter many distractions on the road—traffic, cell phones, music, passengers, etc. Even the open road can allow a driver’s mind to wander, especially with all of the great scenery our state has to offer! If you’re distracted when a tire blowout occurs though, your drive can become extremely dangerous. You’ll need to gather yourself quickly and follow the correct maneuvers in order to remain safe while you guide your car to safety. We’ve put together a few tips on how to properly handle a tire blowout so you can get off the road as quickly and safely as possible.

The easiest way to remain safe from a tire blowout is through preventative maintenance. Taking care of your tires can reduce many of these common causes of blowouts.

Causes of tire blowouts:
-Over/underinflated tires
-Misaligned tires
-Overloaded vehicle
-Sharp objects on the road

When blowouts occur, the car veers in the direction of the damaged tire. Most often, blowouts occur at relatively high speeds. A normal reaction of a driver may be to panic; however, the number one rule of dealing with a blowout is to keep calm. You won’t violently spin out of control during a blowout if you handle it correctly.

Safely maneuvering during a blowout:
-DON’T slam on the brakes or frantically spin the steering wheel which is the natural instinct of most drivers
-Briefly press the accelerator to maximize control
-Firmly grab the steering wheel and stay in your lane
-When you can safely do so, carefully guide your vehicle to the shoulder or safe location as you begin to decelerate
-Once you’re at comfortable and safe speed, you can apply the brakes and come to a full stop
-Turn on your hazard lights

Even if you never experience a tire blowout, it is always beneficial to know what to do. To avoid a tire blowout, come down to Books Automotive and let our ASE-certified mechanics give your vehicle and tires a thorough inspection. At our auto repair shop in Fountain, we will do whatever it takes to ensure you’re safe. So stop by or call us at 719-382-5691 to set up an appointment today!

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