If You Have a Tire Blowout You Should Take These 5 Steps

A tire blowout can be a frightening experience. One minute you’re driving on the open road and the next you suddenly hear a loud explosion and the car starts shaking uncontrollably. Not only is a situation like this stressful but it also can be very scary. 

tire blow out accident with crushed bike and helmet on ground

So, what causes tires to blow out? Many things can cause a tire blowout, such a

  • Wear and tear or aging of the tire
  • Overloading the vehicle beyond its recommended capacity
  • Overinflation or underinflation of the tire
  • Potholes or road debris that cause damage to the tire
  • Manufacturing defects or damage sustained during installation or repair of the tire
  • Driving at high speeds for extended periods, especially in hot weather conditions.

What Happens When a Tire Blows Out at Highway Speed? 

First and foremost, it’s important to remain calm and take the following 5 steps to keep yourself and others as safe as possible.

  • Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel – As soon as possible, get a firm grip on the steering wheel. The random loss of air pressure can cause your car to veer off course, so you want to make sure you maintain as much control as you can. And remember, it’s key to remain calm and not allow your body to tense up.
  • Ease off the accelerator – After making sure you have a tight grip on the steering wheel, you should then ease off the accelerator. Do NOT hit the brakes because it can cause your car to skid or spin out of control. You should instead let the car slow down naturally and keep your eyes on the road as you safely begin to pull over. 
car on side of road with hazard sign
  • Move the car to a safe location – Once your car has completely slowed down, the next step is to steer it to the nearest safe location. If you’re near an exit that’s well-lit, you should pull over. Also, don’t forget to use your turn signal to indicate that you’re trying to change lanes or pull over.
  • Turn your emergency lights on – Whenever you’ve steered your vehicle into a safe location, you should turn on your hazard lights. By doing this, you’re alerting other drivers that you have a problem and that’s why you’re pulled over. And to be extra cautious, you should invest in some warning triangles to keep in your car, just in case your incident happens on a busy road or at night. 
  • Call for help – After taking the steps above, you should then get in touch with someone for help. If you have a spare tire and know how to change it, you can do it yourself but it’s still a good idea to have someone with you just in case you need assistance. You can even call for roadside assistance where you’ll be asked to provide your location as well as any other relevant information

Who to Call if Your Tire Blows Out—Get Gordon!

if you have a tire blowout you should, If You Have a Tire Blowout You Should Take These 5 Steps

Experiencing a tire blowout can be scary and often overwhelming. If you’ve been involved in a blowout accident, you could be dealing with pain on top of expensive medical and repair bills. If so, you may need an experienced car accident lawyer to help you hold certain people accountable.

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys have been practicing personal injury law in Louisiana for many years, and we’ve helped countless clients win millions of dollars in compensation for their injuries. Get in touch with us at for a FREE consultation about your legal options. Stay safe out there!