Ever wonder how to deal with a tire blowout?

Let me cut to the chase…. “Do Nothing!”  (well, almost, but read further for the complete answer).  A blowout on the roadway can be a truly terrifying situation.  Sometimes the noise and the feeling that one is losing control of the vehicle can be too much for some.  Luckily, with a little knowledge and preparedness, dealing with a blowout can become much, much safer.

In simulated blowout situations where an explosive charge is placed on the tire and made to explode the tire’s sidewall at highway speeds, drivers are able to experience what it feels like to experience a blowout firsthand.

A very effective means of ensuring no loss of control is for the driver to continue driving in his/her lane while allowing the car to naturally decelerate (without brakes unless required to avoid a collision) to below 30 mph and then gradually making one’s way to the right shoulder.  Repeated over various types of vehicles – SUVs, Cars, even 18-wheelers – this technique proved nearly fool-proof in ensuring no loss of control.

Now, a tire sidewall blowout may not be the most dangerous of tire-related malfunctions.  Arguably, a tread separation can be far worse because the tire does not necessarily deflate and offer friction to slow the vehicle. This lack of a natural deceleration force coupled with the often still-attached tread which can act as a giant metal-infused whacking deviice capable of tearing holes in the wheel well, makes the tread separation more challenging for most motorists to handle safely.

But, thankfully, even with the more dangerous tread separation, the best technique is the same – don’t turn the steering wheel other than to remain in your lane and avoid collisions.  This is especially true for turning away from the tread-separate rear tire which can dramatically increase the chances of a spinout.  Consider the situation of left-rear tread separation and a motorist trying to move over to the right shoulder.  This could be a disastrous combination!

Now, the very best way to deal with a blowout is to not only avoid braking and turning, but to actually accelerate slightly, but only momentarily.  This has a stabilizing effect on the car, keeping it in its lane. Next, let off the accelerator and allow the car to slow naturally to below 30 mph before attempting to gradually (and I stress, gradually) pull off to the shoulder (if appropriate and safe).

And lastly, “an ounce of prevention…”  Well, the best way to avoid a blowout in the first place is to maintain at least the recommended tire pressure.  In fact, to have the tire inflated at least a few psi above the manufacturer’s recommended pressure is far better than having it even a little low.