Safety Advice for Coping with a Punctured Tyre When Driving
Tyre blowouts are very serious and fearing events, even for the most professional driver such as a policeman. Wheel blowouts can occur for numerous reasons including a punctured tyre. The event can cause a loss or struggle with control.
Depending on the severity of the puncture you may still have limited control over the vehicle, which will allow you to stop the car safely and in a position where it does not cause a hazard to other road users.
If you suspect that a tyre has been damaged you will need to pull over as soon as it is safe. You do not want to brake quickly, but instead remain calm, ensure you have a good grip on the steering wheel, and slowly decrease your speed. Avoid turning the wheel sharply or stomping on the brakes.
It is possible to enter into a spin if you try to over steer or brake the car too quickly. By entering a spin you will lose control because of the forces on the vehicle, and the lack of grip in the wheel. The reduction in speed can help increase your control over the vehicle to stop it without incident.
With your vehicle safely stopped at the side of the road and with your hazard lights on, you should only attempt to change the flat tyre yourself if it will not put you or other road users at risk. Do not attempt to change a tyre yourself on a motorway, even if it is on the nearside, as it could be the last thing you ever do, instead notify the rescue services and they will despatch a recovery service to assist you.
When it is safe to change the tyre on the road you will need to get all mechanical equipment to change the tyre out of the car as well as anyone else in the car. The parking brake should be set. Any lights you have in the car can help you see the tyre more clearly especially during dusk or late evening. Always have your hazard coat on to allow any motorist to see you.
Your cars owner manual will list the safety points for where to place the jack. Before jacking up the wheel secure the vehicle on the jack in the appropriate location.
When re-tightening the nuts after replacing the wheel always make sure you tighten them in opposite pairs, to ensure the wheel is fixed securely against the axel face, before driving off again.
Being stranded at the side of the road can be a stressful experience for any motorist especially at night, so make sure you are visible to other drivers by leaving your Sidelight Bulbs on. It is also a good idea to consider installing Brighter Car Bulbs, which will make your vehicle more visible at night.
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