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What happens if your tire blows out while driving?

The other day my uncle was in a minor accident after his tire blew out. He’s okay now, but I’m worried about a similar situation happening to me. How do I know if my tire blows out, and what should I do if it does?

avatar
Sean Boehme · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Let me start by saying that we are so glad your uncle is okay. A
tire blowout
can be a very dangerous situation. If that happens to you, you’ll likely hear a loud bang and your car will begin drifting either left or right. Here’s what you should do:
  • Remain calm
  • Keep the vehicle straight
  • Do NOT hit the brakes
  • Turn on your hazard lights
  • Move your car to the right lane if it is safe to do so
You have to let your vehicle drop down to about 25 mph on its own. Once you are around that speed, it’s okay to press gently on the brakes and pull onto the shoulder.
If you follow the steps above, you should be alright in the event of a tire blowout. However, the best thing to do is to prevent one entirely. Some common causes of a blowout include:
  • Underinflated tires
  • Old Tires
  • An overloaded vehicle
  • Objects on the road or road damage
By keeping your
tires in good condition
and making sure not to overload your car, you can drastically reduce your chances of suffering a blowout.
If you want to make sure your car will be protected after a traffic disaster, the best thing you can do is find reliable insurance. The
Jerry
car insurance comparison app makes finding affordable and trustworthy plans simple and easy. The best part is, the average Jerry user saves $887 a year.
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