Nothing is more frightening than driving down the road and thinking about a potentially dangerous tire blowout happening. This is increasingly frightening if you are unsure of how to react in a situation like this but we don’t want you to worry. This week we have your guide on everything you need to know when/ if a tire blowout happens to you, check it out below!

What will it sound like?

Expect to hear three distinct sounds that will help you determine that what you’re hearing is indeed a tire blowout. First, you may hear a loud boom or bang, this is the tire popping and reverberating throughout your vehicle. Next, a whooshing sound is the sound of air escaping your tire and lastly, a flapping or flopping sound is of the deflated tire continuously hitting the road.

What will it feel like?

At a fast speed, a tire blowout will first make your vehicle slow down and then it will pull strongly to the left or right depending on which side the tire had burst. If a tire in the front burst, you will feel the force mostly within the steering of your vehicle, if the burst happened in the back you will feel the force in the seat or body of your vehicle.

How to drive through the blowout:

• Don’t panic, stay calm

• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
• Let your vehicle slow down gradually
• Pull to the side of the road once you’ve slowed down to a safe speed
• Turn on your emergency flashers

How to prevent a tire blowout:

Tire blowouts are preventable with proper care and attention and are most frequent in the summer months when roadways are hot. A simple, routine inspection of your vehicle’s tires each time you fill up for gas or leave in the morning can help prevent blowouts. Look for leaks, cracks, excess wear or tear, and ensure your tires are filled to the proper PSI. Keeping your load light can also prevent a tire blowout!