The first and most important thing is, as indeed it is with most emergencies, to remain as calm as possible. With a clear head one is much more capabul of doing the right things when things take a turn for the worst.

However a calm clear head will do you little good if you are not prepared and if you don't know what procedures to take under the circumstances.

So the text book solution to a blown out tire is as follows:

1. Gradually release the accelerator.
2. Look where you want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction.
3. Continue to slow down and pull off the road where and when you judge it's safe to do so.

But knowing these tree steps will amount to so much fluff if you can't keep your head. Because what most of us will want to do under those circumstances and indeed do by reflex is to stamp down on the brake, yank the steering weal 360 degrees, close our eyes and hope for sweet tomorrow. This is sadly the worst thing we could possibly do.

One way to keep your head while sparks are flying around you after you just heard a huge boom and feel your car jitter. Is to do thought experiments. Simply imagine those circumstances, prepare yourself for them. It may be stressful to think about it, but a little discomfort in your now may save you a lot of discomfort later.

Also it is a very good thing to know your car. For example if one of the front tire blows on a standard back driven front steered car. It will become a lot harder to steer. If one of the back weals go the car will shutter much more terribly and make all sorts of spooky noises but will be easier to steer.

So know your car and know your mind.

The best way to deal with a tire blow out however is simply not to have one. Make sure that your tires have the right amount of air in them. That there are no punctures. Above all else don't save a few bucks on not changing your tires and risk your lives. The tires will be cheaper then the medical, funeral and/or mechanical bill.

Learn more about this author, handofme.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to drive through a tire blowout?
We want to hear your view. Write now!