I am the flat tire queen. Although, to be fair, in 10 years of driving I've never had a tire on my own car wear down enough to replace it from use. It always seems to happen when I'm driving someone else's . . . There was one month I ended up having four flats on three different cars. In fact, if I had one of those air-powered tire irons, I'd probably be the envy of every pit crew out there.

But I know how scary a blow out can be the first time one happens to you. Presumably you are either a.) a cautious and prepared driver who has never had one before, b.) gloating over my unfortunate tire record, or c.) a tire researcher who has magically indestructible rubber (can I have your phone number?).

I'll assume you are a driver preparing for the worst or (in my case) the inevitable. The first thing that may happen is a loud bang or popping sound. You may not hear it, depending on the size of the tear. Next, you will feel the vehicle start pulling to one side or back and forth in quick, jerky motions. If you ever got caught on a patch of ice or slick mud it will feel very similar. When you hear the bang or when you feel the pulling, let your foot off of the gas.

Whether in a blowout or in a skid over ice, NEVER slam on the brakes. You are going to want to, trust me. It's a natural, gut instinct to want to jam the brakes to the floor, but in both of these cases, it will only cause the car to get farther out of control and perhaps go into a spin. If you are learning to drive, the very best thing you can do for yourself is practice an emergency like this (it sounds silly I know). When I was learning, my father used to take me to deserted shopping center parking lots late at night when it was empty. We'd go very slow and make sure there was nothing to hit. We'd get into a slow skid and I'd practice what I ought to do. It didn't take long for me to learn how to resist slamming on the brakes. If you live in a cold climate, this is actually a pretty good way to practice. Just make sure you have NOTHING to hit and you go VERY slow.

So, you've heard the bang or felt the pull and let your foot off the gas. As your car slows, it's going to be harder to steer. If the tire that is flat is on the breakdown lane side, it will be a little easier because the tire will pull you in that direction (if it is on the driver's side the opposite will be true). Be careful not to overcompensate, but put a little extra power into turning the wheel toward the breakdown lane or shoulder. If you are on the highway and in a passing lane, don't panic. Remember there is usually a left side shoulder as well. Either way, try to put your emergency lights (usually at eye level on top or to the side of the steering wheel) on as soon as you can.

By this time you will be hearing a steady and slowing thumping. This is the tire rubber unevenly slapping the road. If you don't have power steering, you will be having to use a good amount of strength to keep the car coasting in a straight path down the breakdown lane. If you are feeling very nervous about this and feel you can no longer resist the urge to brake, gently press the brake and then release it as soon as the car starts to pull more than it already is. Repeat this until the car comes to a stop.

I've heard that with anti lock brakes you can brake completely at this point, but even in the cars I've driven with anti lock brakes I've found the human press and release pattern much safer and less scary than the computerized brake system.

Congratulations! You've survived your first blowout! Now if you can only remember who borrowed your jack . . .

Learn more about this author, Deirdre Gould.
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