One of the biggest fears for many drivers is their tyre bursting in the middle of the motorway or a long journey. But, the good news is, if you prepare for the situation then you’ll know exactly what to do if it ever happens.
Here are some top tips for reducing your chances of a burst tyre and what to do if you have a complete blow out!
How can you avoid a burst tyre?
There are two main reasons for a burst tyre – poor maintenance or getting unlucky and driving over a sharp object. The best thing you can do is regularly check your tyre pressure to ensure that it doesn’t get too low especially if you’re planning a long haul trip. You should also inspect your tyre for lodged items or any physical damage that could develop into a puncture. If your tyres do look low, pump them up at your local garage and if you spot any damage they may need to be replaced.
What should you do if your tyre bursts?
When your tyre bursts you will probably hear the burst or notice a sudden change in how the car drives. If it is safe enough, you should pull over to the side of the road or hard shoulder by gently braking and moving off the road. Do not brake excessively as you may lose control of the vehicle.
Once you have come to a stop there are two things you can do. Firstly, if you have a spare tyre and know how to change it, you can replace the burst tyre so you can continue your garden and have a new tyre fitted later. If you do not have a spare tyre or don’t feel comfortable changing it, call your breakdown service who will attend the scene and tow you to a safe place before sorting your burst tyre.
At Portsmouth Exhausts & Tyre Services, we supply a range of high-quality tyres so you can stay safe on the road. If you’re unsure which tyres you need, simply enter your registration on our website to find the best option. For top performance tyres from reliable brands, get in touch today for your installation.