No one wants to pop a tire, especially while driving on the expressway, highway, or any other road comparable to a Formula One racetrack. You'll know you have one when you feel a sharp "thud" followed by a heightened difficulty in steering. The car may also lean to one side slightlya dead giveaway that you're having tire troubles. In any case, you will need to know how to keep your wobbly situation under control.

It is important to stay calm during a tire blowout. If you get flustered, you are more likely to lose control and do something you'll wish you hadn't. When and if panic arises, breathe deeply, let your foot off the gas, and turn your hazard lights on. This will let other drivers know that there is something wrong.

Do not to slam on your brakes once you realize there is a problemsomeone could crush your rear end. Try to stay with the speed of other traffic. A little slower is ok, but too slow and your car will be a hazard to everyone around you.

You will want to pull over to a shoulder or an emergency stop-off as soon as you can. Check your mirrors and blind spot and make eye contact with the driver you'd like to overtake. By making eye contact, drivers are a great deal more willing to cooperate and will let you through without a fuss. Once you've reached the shoulder, you can change the tire, call necessary help, or do whatever you need to do.

It is absolutely necessary that you are mentally prepared for this potentially dangerous but common situation. But with a little rational thinking beforehand, you'll do just fine.

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