How to Handle a Tyre Burst During Driving
Safety is pivotal for any vehicle. Modern times have witnessed the introduction of some remarkable safety features – enhancing driver and vehicle protection. However, even with all the advancements, unprecedented events can put safety at risk. For instance, a tyre burst during a drive can lead to devastating results if not handled properly. Fortunately, there are some effective ways of handling a tyre burst while driving to avoid major damage.
We have compiled a list of some effective methods of dealing with a sudden tyre burst to help drivers make proper decisions under such scenarios.
Common Reasons For a Tyre Burst
Car components also go through a normal process of wear and tear. However, drivers who do not follow the car maintenance checklist may experience premature wear. This usually shortens a vehicle’s life. As keeping a check on tyres is an essential part of the maintenance list, failure to do so can lead to several issues like a tyre burst among others.
Before going to the ways of handling a tyre burst while driving, let’s take a look at some of the common reasons for a tyre burst.
TYRE AGE
Like every other car component, tyres can become less effective with time. Additionally, the wear and tear process may pace up because of bad driving habits such as hard braking or reckless driving among others. An old tyre also loses traction, putting vehicle and driver safety at risk.
HEAT PRESSURE
Tyre pressure problems are among the car issues caused by excessive heat among others. Heat usually leads to increased pressure, therefore causing expansion and possibly a tyre burst.
OVERLOADING
Every vehicle has a payload capacity. Therefore, overloading the vehicle can be harmful to the vehicle. Moreover, overloading exerts more pressure on tyres and may lead them to a burst.
DAMAGED TYRES
Damaged or worn-out tyres can also be the reason for a burst. It is advised to repair or replace the tyres at the earliest to avoid unwanted situations.
TYRE QUALITY
The car tyre history has witnessed major advancements in the segment. However, some types are of better quality than others. Low-quality tyres may wear out quickly and lead to bursts.
INFLATION
Poorly or overly inflated tyres are not safe to drive with. Consequently, under both situations, tyres remain prone to damage and burst. Besides, there are many other disadvantages of overinflated tyres drivers should be aware of.
Tips for Handling a Tyre Burst While Driving
Tyre bursts during driving can be a difficult situation to deal with. Moreover, drivers unaware of the handling ways may end up causing more damage. That said, let’s take a look at some effective ways of handling a flat tyre while driving.
DON’T PANIC
Unprecedented situations while driving may cause drivers to panic. However, it is important to remain calm as panicking can cause more damage than good. Additionally, panicking may also lead to forgetting the compulsory measures to take in alarming situations such as a tyre burst. Moreover, some defensive driving techniques can also come in handy to avoid such situations in the first place.
SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE
One of the major tyre blowout safety tips is to slowly decelerate the vehicle. Sudden acceleration or deceleration may further aggravate tyre bursts. Therefore, it is advised to slowly bring the speed down.
MOVE STRAIGHT
An effective way of handling a tyre burst while driving is to go straight. Twists and turns with a flat tyre may cause the drivers to lose control. Drivers should keep their hands on the steering and avoid turns.
DON’T APPLY BRAKES
Another emergency tyre burst response is to avoid braking. Sudden brakes can cause loss of balance. Additionally, this becomes a more severe risk on busy roads. Besides tyre bursts, there are other ways to deal with car brake failure on the road.
MINIMISE STEERING USE
A major way of staying safe during a tyre blowout is to minimise the use of the steering wheel. Turning the steering wheel in either direction may lead to loss of control. Therefore, the goal should be to maintain stability and take the vehicle to a safe spot.
STOP THE VEHICLE AT A SAFE SPOT
When handling a tyre burst while driving, the end goal is to park the vehicle at a safe spot. Once drivers gain control of the steering wheel, they should park at a safe spot. Another important thing to do is to lightly apply brakes. Additionally, turn the indicators and hazard lights on to inform other drivers about the movement.
Moreover, there are car-stopping penalties in the UAE that all drivers should be aware of. Follow the rules to avoid getting in conflict with the law.
Once the car is parked at a safe spot, drivers can replace the tyre or call roadside assistance to tow the vehicle to a safe spot.
TIPS TO AVOID TYRE BURST
Knowing the ways of staying safe during a tyre blowout is important. However, there are ways drivers can significantly reduce the chances of this happening. Listed below are some tips to avoid tyre bursts.
- Regularly check tyre pressure
- Ensure proper inflation
- Do car tyre rotation
- Keep a regular check on signs of damage
- Buy from authentic service
- Opt for quality tyres
- Buy vehicle-specific tyres
- Avoid overloading the vehicle
- Adopt good driving habits
FAQs
How to Handle a Tyre Burst like a Pro?
The main thing is to remain calm and avoid accelerating or sudden braking. Furthermore, drivers should slowly park their vehicles to a safe spot.
What Do You Do If Your Tyre bursts?
Avoid turning the steering wheel in either direction as this may cause loss of control. Once the vehicle is stable, slowly take it to a safe parking spot.
These are all the effective ways of handling a tyre burst while driving. A tyre burst during driving may lead to severe consequences if not handled properly. Therefore, be sure to ensure tyre maintenance. Additionally, from the different car tyre types available in the market, choose the ones best suited for your vehicle. Also, check out the ways of handling car tyre burst when driving at high speeds.
Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced safety features and company-specific tyres to enhance vehicle safety. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and select from a wide variety of vehicles in pristine condition.
Beside tyre bursts, there are other emergencies drivers may encounter during driving. Take a look at these common driving emergencies and prevention tips and learn to tackle the situation effectively.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog to learn what to do during a tyre blowout and other situations.