How to handle a tyre blowout while driving
A tyre blowout is one of the scariest experiences any driver can face. It happens quickly and can leave you feeling uncertain about what to do next. However, knowing how to respond can make all the difference when it comes to your safety and the safety of others on the road. In this guide, we'll walk you through the proper steps to take if you experience a tyre blowout or notice a tyre pressure issue while driving.
What to Do When You First See the Tyre Pressure Light
Before we dive into the steps for handling a blowout, it's important to recognise the early warning signs. Most modern cars are equipped with tyre pressure sensors that alert you when a tyre is losing air or has an issue. If you see the tyre pressure light appear on your dashboard, don’t ignore it.
While it might not be an immediate blowout, it signals that your tyre is at risk of losing more pressure, which could lead to dangerous consequences. Here’s what you should do:
Pull over as soon as it is safe: If you can, find a safe spot on the side of the road to pull over and inspect the tyre. Look for any obvious damage or loss of pressure.
Avoid driving further: Driving on a tyre with low pressure can cause further damage to the tyre, wheel, and possibly other parts of the car.
Most importantly, contact a professional. Whether it's calling a breakdown service, a tyre fitter, or roadside assistance, it’s crucial to have an expert look at the problem and help rectify it.
What to Do if You Experience a Blowout on the Motorway
If you're driving on a motorway and suddenly experience a tyre blowout, the situation becomes much more urgent. Here's how to handle it safely:
Remain calm and grip the wheel: The most important first step is to keep calm and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel. A blowout can cause your vehicle to swerve, but by keeping control of the wheel, you can help steer the car in a straight line.
Do not slam on the brakes: One of the biggest mistakes drivers make during a blowout is slamming on the brakes. Sudden braking can cause your car to lose control. Instead, gently lift off the accelerator and allow the car to decelerate naturally.
Look for a safe area to pull over: If you are on the motorway, look ahead and try to locate a lay-by or a safe area to pull over. If a lay-by is not available, you should aim for the hard shoulder.
Signal and move to the hard shoulder: Turn on your indicators to signal to other drivers that you're slowing down and pulling over. This is crucial to ensure other vehicles know to give you space. Pull over to the hard shoulder as safely and smoothly as possible.
Once You're Pulled Over – Evacuate and Move to Safety
Your safety is the most important thing to consider, so as soon as you’re stopped in a safe location, follow these steps:
Put on your hazard lights: Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle is stopped and you may be in distress.
Evacuate the vehicle: If you are on the motorway, it is safest to exit the vehicle and move to the other side of the barrier (if available). Never stay in your car if it's on the hard shoulder, as vehicles are travelling at high speeds. If it's not safe to exit your vehicle, remain inside and buckle up until help arrives.
Move to a safe area: Once you are safely away from the vehicle, stay behind a barrier or in a location far from moving traffic. This is crucial to avoid injury from passing vehicles.
Contact the Right Help – Mobile Tyre Fitter or Roadside Assistance
Once you’ve ensured that you and any passengers are safe, it's time to get help. Here's what to do next:
Contact a mobile tyre fitter: If you have a mobile tyre fitter service available, call them right away. They will come to your location to assess the situation and replace or repair the tyre, getting you back on the road quickly and safely.
What Not to Do During a Blowout
While it’s helpful to know what to do, it's just as important to understand what you should avoid:
Don’t attempt to change the tyre yourself if you're on the motorway: Changing a tyre on the hard shoulder is extremely dangerous due to fast-moving traffic. Leave this to a professional.
Don’t drive with a deflated tyre: If you notice a tyre is losing pressure or you experience a blowout, do not drive any further. Continuing to drive on a flat or damaged tyre can cause further harm to your car and may even cause another tyre to fail.
Final Thoughts: Always Prioritise Safety
Experiencing a tyre blowout is never ideal, but knowing how to handle the situation can make all the difference in keeping you safe on the road. Staying calm, pulling over safely, and getting professional help are the key steps to managing a blowout properly.
Your safety is always the most important consideration. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a professional tyre fitter or breakdown service. Taking these precautions could save you from dangerous consequences, allowing you to get back on the road with peace of mind.
A close-up image of a blowout tyre, with visible damage to the sidewall, showing a large tear in the rubber. This tyre failure could have been prevented with regular vehicle tyre safety checks and proper tyre maintenance.
