How to act if you suffer a tyre blowout

Tyres have evolved a great deal over time. There are even puncture-proof tyres, although they are not yet manufactured for standard use. But the problem of punctures is still present when driving any vehicle, and it is not unusual to run into this inconvenience. Although it is very easy to suffer a puncture, many drivers do not know how to react to this situation or, worse, to a blowout.

Puncture and blowout

Although we tend to think they are the same, a puncture is different from a blowout. A puncture is a gradual loss of air caused by a pore or a hole in the tyre, produced by an object that pierces it. A blowout, on the other hand, is the sudden loss of air from the tyre due to a large rupture or an explosion of the wheel.

In the case of a puncture, it is noticed through a progressive difficulty when driving. As air is gradually lost, the steering becomes harder and there is a louder noise when rolling, coming from the wheel that is losing air. In addition, the car may pull towards the side where the punctured wheel is.

If the wheel has blown out, the sound of it is likely to be heard, which will already warn us. If the blowout does not produce an explosion that can be heard, the rim will touch the ground, so the sound will be quite audible and the steering will not work properly. In addition, the car will immediately pull towards the side where the wheel has been lost.

If the blowout occurs when driving at high speed, it is possible to lose control of the car. For these reasons, we are going to explain how you should react to a puncture or a blowout.

How to act in the event of a puncture

A puncture causes the air to leak out slowly, so it should not represent a serious problem. As soon as you notice that the car is not responding well and is pulling to one side, you should stop as soon as you can and check the wheel. If you notice that it has lost a lot of air, it is better to change the wheel or use a puncture repair kit. These can solve the problem for the moment and allow the tyre to be inflated.

However, you must go to a workshop immediately where they can check the condition of the tyre and fix the problem. If it is not very serious, they can repair the puncture and leave the tyre ready for use. You should not drive far on a punctured tyre, so drive carefully and without going too fast to avoid risks.

How to act in the event of a blowout

In the event of a blowout, keep calm and prepare to maintain control of the steering. Hold the steering wheel firmly, prevent the car from veering towards the side of the blowout, and avoid braking suddenly. It is better to brake gently and use engine braking to stop the car safely. To do so, release the accelerator and change gears to reduce speed gradually.

Once stopped on the hard shoulder, in a safe area, warn other road users properly with the warning triangles, hazard lights if you have them, and wear a high-visibility vest whenever you are outside the vehicle. Avoid risks on the road, so it is advisable to wait for roadside assistance and avoid danger. If you want to change the wheel, do so with extreme caution and always with the appropriate safety equipment and tools.