Tyre Blowouts - A Guide to Prevention and Response

Published Date: 6th Jun 2023

Image of a Man Changing a Flat Tyre A tyre blowout is the unexpected deflation of a tyre, resulting in reduced contact with the road. This can quickly become perilous, making it difficult to control the vehicle.

Several things can cause a tyre blowout, including:

Driving over a sharp object
Overinflating or underinflating the tyres
Worn tyres
Structural damage to the tyre

If your tyre blows out, it's crucial to stay calm and take these necessary steps:

Gradually release pressure from the accelerator pedal. This will decelerate the car and avoid the tyres from spinning out of control.
Steer the car in a straight line. Do not brake or swerve, as this could make the situation worse.
Manoeuvre your vehicle to the side of the road as soon as possible, activate your hazard lights, and await assistance.

If it is unsafe to pull over to the side of the road, attempt to manage your vehicle until you arrive at a secure location. To do this:

Slow down gradually. Do not brake hard, as this will cause the car to skid.
Steer the car in a straight line. Do not brake or swerve, as this could make the situation worse.
Use the side of the road for support. Manoeuver the car to the roadside to maintain control whilst driving if feasible. This will improve overall safety and assist in preserving vehicle control.

Once you have moved the car to the side of the road, wait for assistance. Do not attempt to change the tyre yourself, as this could be dangerous.

There are several logical things that you can do to help prevent a tyre blowout, including:

Inspect: Make sure you inspect your tyres for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks, bulges, or other damage that could indicate a problem.
Inflate: Keep your tyres properly inflated. The recommended tyre pressure is listed in your vehicle's owner's manual.
Observe: To prevent potential damage to your vehicle, steer clear of sharp objects on the road. If you drive over something sharp, pull aside and examine your tyres for any signs of damage.
Manage: At the first sign of excessive tyre wear, replace worn-out tyres. On average, tyres last around six years or 60,000 miles. It's important to stay aware of the status of your tyres and make replacements when necessary.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent a tyre blowout and keep yourself and others safe on the road.

Additional Information for New Car Buyers

For first-time car buyers, there are several crucial considerations to bear in mind regarding tyre blowouts.

Firstly, selecting a vehicle with a high safety rating tyre is imperative. Secondly, it is essential to have a qualified mechanic inspect and rotate tyres at regular intervals. Lastly, one should be mindful of tyre wear and tear signs and replace them as prescribed to ensure optimal safety on the road.

Find Amazing New Car Deals at Uk Car Discount

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of experiencing a tyre blowout.

In the event of a tyre blowout, keep calm, remove your foot from your accelerator pedal, and steer straight ahead.
Move to the roadside as soon as possible, activate hazard lights, and wait for professional assistance.
Attempting to change a flat tyre on a busy road is not recommended. It is safer to contact roadside assistance or a tow truck for professional support.
Regularly inspect tyres for wear, bulges, or cracks and consult a professional for any signs of damage.
Maintain proper tyre inflation to prevent overinflation, which increases the risk of blowouts.
Exercise caution when driving over sharp objects and promptly inspect tyres for damage if encountered. Replace tyres before they reach their recommended lifespan of six years or 60,000 miles.

Discover your perfect car with the guidance of our team of expert sales professionals. From start to finish, we'll work with you to find the ideal vehicle to match your needs. Contact UK Car Discount today and explore our wide selection of premier vehicles.

Call us today at 0161 946 3500 to discuss how we can guide you with your Next New Car.