When your front wheel tire blows up at high speed, it’s not a pleasant experience for you. However, how could this be?
What causes a tire explosion?
When you strike a curb or a pothole at high speed or from an unfavorable angle, you run the risk of blowing a tire.
Due to high-speed collisions, such as those on expressways or the motorway, such an explosion is possible. Typically, a small hole in the tire that slowly releases air serves as a notice to the driver when the tire is deflating.
Warning indications for low tire pressure include trembling tires and difficulty maintaining the vehicle’s control.
The immediate outcome of a tire blowout is the loss of control of the vehicle, which makes it more dangerous because the air is discharged more quickly and without warning.
If you see portions of the tire on the side of the road or even on the road while driving, you’re most likely dealing with a tire fracture.
What should you do in case of a blowout?
In general, you should remain calm if something goes wrong with your car. It is much easier to make an informed decision if you are able to maintain your composure and remain calm. Despite the fact that pressing the brake pedal may come naturally to you in the event of a tire explosion, you should resist the urge.
Of primary importance is maintaining steady speed, which means never depressing the gas pedal. There is a great probability that you will lose control of the automobile if you apply the brakes when one of the rear tires is deflated.
Stopping the car in case of a tire blowout
You must, of course, bring the car to a halt as fast as possible, but in a manner that does not threaten other traffic participants, including other drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
This car must be put into neutral by maintaining complete control and performing only safe moves. A tire blowout will leave you with less than half of your vehicle’s weight in direct contact with the ground. As a result, the vehicle will become significantly more erratic. Avoid making any rapid steering or braking adjustments.
While driving at a constant speed, you must keep both hands on the steering wheel to maintain control of the vehicle. Look in the mirrors before making a judgment or a move, especially when driving on the highway. Avoid braking and keep the accelerator pedal as light as possible when decelerating.
To slow down your car using a manual gearbox, you’ll have to shift from higher to lower gears in the transmission (perform an engine break).
Slow down the car by removing your foot from the gas pedal. As a result, the vehicle will slow down on its own. Find a safe place to pull over, whether it’s a shoulder or an emergency lane.
In the event of a tire blowout, runflat tires are useful since they allow the driver to continue driving for a short distance, but at high speeds, a novice driver may lose control of the vehicle due to a lack of control.
Useful tips in case of a tire blowout
- Stay calm;
- Do not do any sudden moves with the car because of the fear. If you feel that the car pulls aside, correct the position without rushing, otherwise you will lose control of the car, especially at high speeds.
- Do not brake suddenly. It seems counterintuitive, but applying brakes at high speeds over 130 km / h (80 miles/h) will have the effect of making the car unstable, and this is the last thing you want. Obviously, if there are obstacles in front of you, you may not have a choice and you will have to brake gradually. But, in their absence, take the leg off the brake!
- Use the engine brake. If space allows you, your goal will be to reduce the speed of the car so that you can safely brake to stop without skidding. So your first action is to get your foot off the gas pedal and downgrade as fast as your engine allows.
- Make sure you have where to stop the car. Do not rush to stop the car on the road or in a dangerous place. Pull it a few meters until you reach a place where you can safely change the wheel. Your life is more valuable than the possible damage caused by running on the remaining tire. So until then maintain a constant speed that will allow you full control of the car in those conditions
- And by the way, never run at speeds higher than those supported by the tires in question, written as clearly as possible on the tires.
Useful tips to avoid tire explosion
The fear of a flat tire can strike even the most experienced drivers. Maintaining and inspecting your equipment regularly can help you avoid an unpleasant experience like an explosion.
Check the tire depth regularly. It should be at least 5 mm to be safe and to comply with the law.
Check the tire surface for cuts or swelling both inside and outside. These can lead to an explosion.
Avoid using old tires. Even if a tire is in good condition, the tire will deteriorate over time. It is recommended to change the tires older than five years, even if they have been used a little and seem to be in good condition.
