What is the best way to handle a tire blowout while driving?

When experiencing a tire blowout while driving, the best approach is to steer firmly in the same direction. This technique allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle as it begins to pull to one side, which is a common reaction of the vehicle when a tire fails. By holding the steering wheel steady and gently guiding the vehicle straight, you can lessen the chances of losing control.

This method is critical because sudden or erratic movements, such as hard braking or aggressively steering in the opposite direction, can lead to a loss of control and may result in an accident. It’s important to allow the vehicle to slow down naturally and then find a safe area to pull over.

Other options, such as applying the brakes hard or accelerating, can lead to complications during a blowout. Applying the brakes suddenly can cause the vehicle to skid or flip, while accelerating might exacerbate the loss of control. Shifting into neutral may not be beneficial in this situation, as it does not address maintaining control of the vehicle while the tire is losing air pressure.