Did you know that tire-related crashes caused 612 traffic fatalities in 2019 alone? Tire blowouts and flat tires result in tens of thousands of accidents each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that motor vehicles put 3.24 trillion miles on the road making tire issues like blowouts a higher risk.
When it comes to driving safety on the road tire care and maintenance are a priority. Here are some of the best practices to keep in mind should a tire blowout happen to you.
First and foremost, if you ever experience a tire blowout while driving, do your best to stay calm and not panic. Your initial reaction may be to slam on the brakes, but that is what you want to avoid. Doing so will cause the tires to lock up, and you will lose total control of the car. Slamming on the brakes can create an accident, cause you to spin out, and become a fatal mistake.
The best thing to do is slowly take your foot off the acceleration pedal. Experts say that tapping on the gas pedal briefly will help keep your car stable. Let your car slow down naturally. Once you reach a safe speed, generally under 30mph, lightly press on the brakes and guide the car away from traffic.
You will want to keep a firm grip with both hands on the steering wheel and guide the car to the side of the road as safely as possible. You will not want to turn your wheel. Instead, keep it straight as you can to stabilize and control the car. Keep the vehicle in motion until you can ease off the road.
Pull The Car Over To The Side Of The Road
Be sure to check your side mirrors and your rear view mirror. Only when it is safe, get over to the side of the road when you have room. Otherwise, continue driving straight with control of the steering wheel.
It is best to push the hazard button as soon as possible to alert other drivers around you. As your car begins to slow down, drivers can avoid your car and take necessary precautions. Call for help immediately after the car stops and is safely on the side of the road. Next, you will want to inspect the car. If you are equipped and capable, change the tire. If not, call your insurance or roadside assistance. They can have a tow truck meet you to help.
It is best to educate yourself on your tires, car, and the maintenance it requires. Multiple factors can cause a tire to blow out. For instance, tires lose traction on different terrains. Rough concrete, potholes, and debris can run down the tread of a tire. Consider where you live when choosing new tires. If you get a lot of snow in the winter, snow tires that have a stronger tread are a safe option.
Underinflation may be the number one cause for a tire blowout. Technology has provided drivers with Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which is now mandated in most motor vehicles. Though it is a useful tool for upkeep, it does not alert the driver of underpressure tires.
According to the NHTSA, only 19 percent of drives accurately check tire pressures. Under-inflated tires are more likely to cause a tire blowout.
Check the pressure of each tire every month. Keeping this a habit is not only safe, but it can help you save on gas and mileage.
Further traveling distance can also wreak havoc on your tires. Do a maintenance checkup before going on long road trips. Blowouts are especially more common during the summer vacation months. The high heat, longer driving distances, and heavier weight in the car can push a tire to fail. If you intend to pack your car with things like heavy luggage, furniture, or equipment, be sure you know the capacity of weight your car can handle. Overloading the car can put too much weight on your tires and cause them to burst.
Review the owner manual to ensure you know the necessary tire pressure and driving limitations. Do regular checkups on your tires for any signs of balding or minor ruptures. Get your tires rotated to prevent quicker wear and tear. Replace the tires when worn or old.