Safely Handling a Tire Blowout
If a driver drove straight down a lane and allowed the deflated tire to drag and slowed down to less than 30 mph, that’s a safe way to handle a tire blowout. However, if you press the accelerator for a short time (though it seems like it would be the opposite of what you’d actually want to do) it can help stabilize your vehicle in its lane, but it also keeps you from turning or braking immediately, so it gives you time to slow down to ease off the side of the road.
This post was sponsored by Central Avenue Hyundai
What NOT to Do
Turning the steering wheel – turning it even just slightly can cause the vehicle to spin out faster. If nothing else, just drive straight until you get to a spot that you can stop safely.
What Causes a Blowout
Many things can cause a tire to blow, but the biggest factor is poor tire maintenance. Make sure your tires are inflated properly and have them rotated and balanced per your owners manual. Driving on under inflated tires can be especially hard on them as the components of a tire can bend beyond what they are designed to handle – which can cause them to weaken and fail over time. Other factors that can lead to a blowout are overloading the vehicle, hitting potholes, or even the weather.
Avoiding a Blowout
The best way to avoid a blowout is like I said above – proper tire inflation pressure. Check your tire pressure once a month ,or more if you are driving long distances. Make sure to set the pressure to what the manufacturer recommends (you can find it in your owner’s manual) Also be sure to inspect your tires for cracks, bulges, or other signs of wear. If you notice your tires are not performing well, or they are vibrating or making noises, make sure to have them inspected by a professional immediately.
