If you’re driving and sense a change in the pull of your steering wheel or hear a sharp pop and rapid flapping sounds, you likely have a tire blowout. This is a dangerous occurrence that you should know how to handle to protect yourself and other drivers. Below are a few strategies to maintain safety before you call a towing company for help.

How to Handle a Flat Tire

1. Look for a Warning Light

Cars made after 2008 usually come with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that will illuminate a warning light on your dashboard when losing pressure. While you may ignore this light, a gradual loss of pressure can precede a full blowout, which will require you to purchase a new tire. Pull to a safe area when you notice this warning, and check your tires for holes or punctures to prevent further damage.

2. Stay Calm

While this is challenging to do during a blowout, you should attempt to stay level and not panic. A tire losing pressure or going flat won’t spin you out or cause you to crash. You should take a deep breath and remember that you still have control of the vehicle. Try to get to the shoulder of the road, and make sure to turn your hazard lights on to signal other drivers.

3. Steer & Brake Carefully

While the first instinct may be to slam on the brakes, you should not do this, as it can result in an accident with another driver. Instead, gently tap the gas to keep your car moving in a controlled manner. Slowly correct your steering, and don’t veer wildly. When you can, direct your vehicle to a safe place where a towing company can reach you easily, such as a parking lot.

4. Assess the Damage

After pulling over, make sure your hazard lights are on and park the car away from traffic. This ensures that you can safely exit the vehicle to identify the specific issue. If you cannot change the tire, stand apart from the road and car to call a towing service. They can take you and the vehicle to a nearby auto shop to replace or repair the damaged tire.

For more than 20 years, Quality Towing and Equipment Moving in West Chester, OH, has provided local and long-distance towing, as well as roadside assistance 24/7. Whether you need auto towing, heavy-duty towing, equipment moving, trust this company to get you back on the road quickly and professionally. Learn more about their services online, or call (513) 777-6622 to schedule a pickup. Connect with them on Facebook for more tips and information.