You never know what the road is going to throw at you, which is why you should always be prepared to react safely and responsibly in cases of emergency. According to experts, tires are more prone to blowouts in high temperatures — giving Las Vegas drivers an increased risk of tire failure throughout the summer. So, how should drivers handle blowouts?
5 Steps to Follow If You Experience a Tire Blowout
Step 1: Understand How It Sounds & Feels
If you have never experienced a tire blowout, you might not know what’s going on when it happens. When a tire explodes during your drive, you’ll hear a variety of noises. First, you might hear a loud sound like a bang or boom. You may also hear air whooshing out of the tire and the deflated rubber slapping the road. When it happens, your car should immediately start to decelerate and pull towards the side of the car where the tire blew.
Step 2: Stay Calm & in Control
If you have a blowout, stay calm. Trying to swerve, brake hard or speed up is a bad idea that could result in you losing control of the vehicle. When you hear and feel the tire blow, don’t panic. A clear head is key to getting off the road safely.
Step 3: Stay on the Straight & Narrow
Keep your car moving in a straight line, with your hands safely positioned on either side of the steering wheel. You’ll feel the car pull to one side, but you don’t want to overcorrect, so try to stay straight and secure in your lane.
Step 4: Control the Momentum
You never want to hit the brakes when you blow a tire. Instead, let your foot off the gas. The blown tire will naturally cause your car to decelerate. As you’re slowing down, turn on your hazard lights to warn drivers behind you. Do your best to pull over to a safe spot on the side of the road. Once you’ve safely pulled to the side, you can replace your tire with a spare or call for roadside assistance.
Step 5: Check Your Other Tires
After you’ve replaced the blown tire, take the time to check the condition of the other three to proactively prevent further problems. Once you’ve safely reached your destination, schedule time to have your vehicle checked by a maintenance professional.
Get Your Tires Inspected at Valley Automall Today
At Valley Automall, our service technicians can assess your tires and advise whether or not you should replace them. Contact us today at 702-570-2257 to schedule a service appointment.