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Tire Blowout While Driving
It can happen to anyone, even a careful driver. Suddenly, the vehicle is pulling to the side, the tire is deflated, and the car is swerving. When an incident like this happens, it can be terrifying. Knowing what to do when you experience a tire blowout while driving can help minimize the risks to you and to your vehicle. No matter what happens, try to remain calm and get to the side of the road. Then, here’s everything you need to know about tire blowouts.
If Your Tire Was to Blowout While Driving – How to Prepare
A tire blowout occurs when something punctures the tire or the wear and tear on the tread is so thin, the surface creates a cut in it. Many modern vehicles warn you about tire pressure if it drops below a safe level. If you see these warnings, pull to the side of the road and get help. If you do not receive a warning, but you notice the tires are thin, don’t drive unless your mechanic says it is safe to do so.
Are you worried this may happen to you? Here’s what to do if a tire was to blowout while driving. In the moment it happens, you may hear a loud popping sound. You may receive a warning signal from your car indicating the tire damage. Try not to steer against the way the car is moving. Instead, try to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road. Slow down as much as possible to do so. Getting to the side of the road is ideal since it allows you to remain safe while you get help. Don’t drive on the rim. This can damage the vehicle’s frame and puts you at risk.
Reacting to a Tire Blowout Behind the Wheel
The process of stopping the car doesn’t have to be difficult when a tire blowout occurs. For this reason, you can remain calm. Try to take a moment to collect yourself as you slow the vehicle down by easing the brake. If you can do so safely, put your emergency flashers on to alert traffic behind you of a problem. Then, guide the vehicle to the side of the road as soon as you can safely do so.
Take a deep breath. Then, call a professional to help you. A tow truck company can help. If you are a member of a car organization such as AAA, they may be able to help you. If you know how to change a tire, you can do that as well.
Tire Insurance – Will Auto Insurance Cover Your Damaged Tire?
When you have damage to a tire your insurance may cover it if the cause is due to an unexpected or unavoidable loss. Most tire blowouts occur due to the normal wear and tear on the tire itself. This is considered maintenance and not covered by auto insurance. However, if you ran over a pothole or an object, you may have some coverage under your policy.
It is also important to consider other drivers. If you have a tire blowout and hit another car as a result of swerving, your auto insurance may help cover the damage you caused to another party’s vehicle. This falls under your auto insurance’s liability coverage. After such an incident, call your agent to inquire about the type of protection you have.
Tire Burst – How to Get Help on the Road
When a tire burst like this happens, your first thought should always be to get to the side of the road. However, you also may need to get some help to fix the problem. If you can change a tire and you have a spare available, consider this option. Do so only if you are able to be out of the street in a safe area.
If you do not have this ability, it’s best to call a professional car mechanic or tire specialist to help you. Don’t be tempted to drive the car on the rim or a flat. You also don’t want to remain on the roadway long. This can be dangerous for you and your family.
Once you call a mechanic or a tow truck, try to remain in your vehicle if it is considerably well off the road. If you are on a busy highway, you may want to leave the vehicle and move further off the road, if it is safe to do so. Parked cars on the side of a freeway can be easy targets for other drivers.
How to Avoid Vehicle Tire Blowouts
Vehicle maintenance and tire upkeep are important to avoid vehicle tire blowouts. Be sure to have your tires checked every time you get your oil changed. You also want to react to any warnings on your dashboard about tire pressure as soon as they happen. This can help you avoid a tire blowout while driving.
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