Tyre blowout

Every time you drive up a kerb, through a pothole that you could have avoided, park with your tyres pressing against a kerb or leave weeks between tyre pressure checks remember the quote below. "It all happened so fast ... I couldn't do anything about it"

It usually takes a few months for a tyre to 'burst' and there is a very simple thing that you can do about it! Look after your tyres a bit better!

If you look after your tyres but are still unlucky enough to get a blowout or high speed puncture the guidelines below will help you to cope ...

Action for rear tyre blowouts

Your car will weave about, especially at speeds over 50 mph

The best action is to hold the steering wheel firmly and let the car slow down by itself. Changing to a lower gear will help in a front wheel drive car if you can control the steering with one hand.

If you have to stop quickly use the footbrake - this throws weight forwards onto the front wheels - be ready to correct a slide at the back.

Keep looking ahead and turn your steering wheel to keep in a straight line

Action for front tyre blowouts

Front type punctures will cause the car to pull heavily to one side. Steer firmly to correct the pull. Leave the footbrake alone ... If there is space ahead, concentrate on steering and allow the car to lose speed naturally. If you use the footbrake, be very gentle ...

Pulling the parking brake on and off repeatedly can help you in a rear wheel drive car but care must be taken not to lock the back wheels. Changing down can help in a rear-wheel drive car as engine compression will lower the speed. Remember, however, that extra effort will be required for steering ... It may be safer to keep your hands on the wheel.

General

Burst tyres are dead ... You can drive on the tyre very slowly to a safe place but do not attempt to go any further than is absolutely necessary.

Repairable punctures can turn into un repairable tyres if you drive on them. Read your car's handbook for information about jacking your car safely and changing a wheel. (Wheel change info here)

If you have a space saver spare tyre, keep your speed down - your car will not be as stable as with the full size tyre.

Stay calm - stay safe!