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If you drive a vehicle, then dealing with flats, tire leaks, and blowouts is almost inevitable. In those scenarios, knowing what to do can save you time and money. That’s why our team from Wheel & Tire Superstore has collected some key steps to take when dealing with a blowout.

5 Most Common Causes of a Tire Blowout

The five most common causes of tire blowouts are:

• Slow Leaks
• Potholes
• Under-Inflated Tires
• Heat
• Worn Tire Treads

Preventing Tire Blowouts

There are some ways you can be proactive and prevent tire blowouts and the first is by paying close attention to your vehicle while driving. Tire punctures often precede blowouts and if you’re in tune with your vehicle, you may notice a loss in tire pressure. This awareness can help you prevent a blowout. Should you be alerted either by feeling a loss in tire pressure or your car’s built-in tire press monitoring system (TPMS), find a safe area in which to pull over. You can then assess the situation and see if you have a puncture or another issue, or if your vehicle’s tires are simply underinflated.

Keeping a manual tire pressure gauge in the glovebox is always a good idea in case your car doesn’t have a TPMS or it fails. You will still be able to check whether your tire pressure corresponds to the recommended PSI levels of your vehicle’s manufacturer.

What to Do in a Blowout

Suffering a blowout is much more apparent than a simple leak or loss of pressure. Often, you’ll hear a loud noise like a rushing escape of air or a jarring pop. This means you’ve blown a tire and need to make it safely off the road as soon as possible.

During a blowout, never:

• Panic
• Jerk the Wheel
• Slam Your Brakes On
• Lose Your Grip on the Steering Wheel
• Punch the Gas
• Stop in the Middle of Traffic

Make your way as safely as possible to the roadside with your hazard lights on, then ensure your vehicle is parked safely on the shoulder of the road out of the way of passing vehicles.

Options for Resolving a Tire Blowout

If you have a spare tire or donut in the car, then consult your driver’s manual to ensure you can change it properly and have all the necessary tools. If not, you may need to call for roadside assistance to change your tire or have your vehicle towed. Either way, if you’re in a local area contact a service center and let them know you’re on the way and need to purchase a new tire for your vehicle or have it inspected.

Contact us today to shop tires by vehicle, for wheel alignment services, and more

If you suffer a blowout or any other issue with your vehicle, Wheel & Tire Superstore can help. Contact us online or call (512) 986-7879 today for everything from new tires, wheels, and rims, to diagnostic services, and more.