Suffered a tyre blowout while driving? Here's what you should do

So you're making your way back from your holiday, cruising along at 110 km/h on the highway, minding your own business and keeping a safe distance from vehicles around you. Out of nowhere, you hear a popping sound. One of your tyres blew and now your car starts to go sideways. 

By now, many drivers would probably freeze in fear or panic (or both) not knowing what to do. Who can blame them? This is a scenario that no one can see coming. What then, can you do if you have the misfortune of suffering a tyre blowing while driving at speed?

Don't panic

Yes, it is extremely unnerving and distressing to suffer a tyre blowout suddenly while driving at speed. Regardless of which tyre on your car blows out, you'll definitely lose control of your car. The difficult part is obviously to regain control. Ease off the throttle and remember to use your vision.

As difficult as it may be, you need to look where you wanna go. So, keep your eyes on the road ahead, and your body will try to adjust and steer the car in the direction you want to head. Goes without saying, don't look at the drain on the side of the road! Should the worst happen, just brake as hard as you can and hope for the best.

In the midst of all this, remember to stay calm (I know, harder than it sounds). in the event you are able to slow the car down and regain control, the next step is to assess if the car can still crawl along slowly. If yes, make your way to the nearest petrol station, rest stop or better yet, a tyre shop.

Sure, you risk damaging a rim by crawling, but it is always a better idea to just keep moving if at all possible, which leads us to....

Also Read: Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear? Which are the most preferred tyre brands in Malaysia?

Change it yourself? Better not

Car is unable to move? Then you have no choice but to park on the side of the road or the emergency lane (if there's one). Should you then attempt to swap out your blown out wheel? We'd caution against doing so. Why?

The lane closest to the emergency lane is often times used by heavy vehicles and there is always a risk of them crashing into your stationary vehicle parked on the roadside. The last thing you wanna do is to get ploughed by a 10-ton lorry laden with goods while you're changing a wheel. 

It's just better to call for assistance. If you're on the highway, just give the emergency hotline a ring and they will send help to change your wheel for you. Alternatively, call your insurance provider to send a tow truck (yes, you can do that). While waiting, we'd suggest you not sit in the car, for aforementioned reasons. 

Also Read: Here's why having a spare wheel won't do you much good

No choice? Stay visible and do it quick

So what can you do in an absolute worse-case scenario, where you're stranded in a really remote place, it's dark, and help can't come? Well, you've no choice but to change the wheel yourself. Turn on your hazard lights (come to think of it, turn on all your lights!), put the safety triangle as far behind your car as possible (most modern cars have one).

Then, it's time to perform the fastest wheel change you'll ever perform in your life. If you have a friend with you, have said friend be a traffic marshall to warn oncoming traffic that there's an emergency on the side of the road. And get ready to jump off to the side of the road should there be any rogue vehicle spearing in your direction (no, really).

Once you're done changing the wheel, quicly pack up and get back on the road. Don't waste any time giving yourself a pat on the back for a job well done (but, well done!).

Also Read: Run flat tyres, tyre repair kits, or spare tyres. Which is best?

WapCar's Opinion

A tyre blowout is never a pleasant experience, having it happen when you're driving at considerable speed is even more harrowing. That's because it happens when you least expect it and many, if not most drivers do not know how to handle such situations.

Obviously you can't practice for such a scenario, but it always helps to attend an advanced driving course, to know what your hands, feet and eyes should do in the event you lose control of your vehicle. Believe us, learning such skills might just save your life one day.