What should you do if you experience a tire blowout while driving?

Experiencing a tire blowout can be a frightening situation, but knowing the correct response is crucial for maintaining control of the vehicle and ensuring safety. The appropriate action is to gradually release the gas pedal, steer straight, and pull off the road safely.

When a tire blows out, the vehicle may feel like it's pulling to one side due to the sudden loss of air pressure. By easing off the gas pedal, you allow the car to slow down naturally without causing further instability. Steering straight is vital because sudden movements, such as jerking the wheel, can lead to loss of control and even a potential rollover. Once the vehicle is safely slowed down and manageable, gradually steering to pull off the road is the best way to exit safely from the lane of traffic.

In contrast, slamming on the brakes can cause the vehicle to skid or flip, which increases the risk of an accident. Attempting to turn the vehicle around is also hazardous, as it may lead to abruptly changing directions and potentially crashing. Simply using hazard lights is not sufficient, as it does not address the immediate need to control the vehicle and find a safe place to stop.