Tyre Blowout: What to Do If Your Tyre Bursts at High Speed. article content
Nothing ruins an owambe Saturday more than the tyre bursting on the way to the event.
A tyre blowout is one of the most frightening emergencies a driver can experience, especially if your tyre bursts at high speed on busy roads in Lagos or anywhere else in Nigeria.
In this guide, you'll learn the common causes of tyre blowouts and what to do if your tyre bursts while driving at high speed on Nigerian roads.
What Is a Tyre Blowout?
A tyre blowout is what happens when a tyre suddenly bursts or loses air pressure very quickly while you’re driving. Unlike a slow puncture, a blowout happens almost instantly. You’ll usually notice:
A loud bang (like a gunshot)
A whooshing hiss of escaping air
A repetitive flapping or flopping of rubber against the road
The steering wheel pulling sharply to the left or right
Heavy vibrations
Your car becoming difficult to control
If this happens at highway speeds, this can quickly become dangerous if you panic. A tyre blowout can be caused by factors such as:
Under-inflation: Driving with low tyre pressure causes the tyre to flex excessively, generating heat that weakens the tyre over time.
Road hazards: Driving over rough or damaged roads can weaken the tyre and increase the risk of failure.
Potholes: Constantly driving through potholes can damage the tyre’s internal structure, even if no damage is seen immediately.
Sharp objects: Nails, broken glass, metal debris, and other sharp objects that puncture or tear the tyre, leading to rapid loss of air pressure.
Overloading: Carrying more weight than the tyre is designed for, increases pressure and heat buildup, especially during that Christmas road trip.
Worn-out tyres: Old tyres with low tread or cracked sidewalls are more likely to cause a problem.
Excessive heat: High road temperatures and long-distance driving can cause tyres to overheat, especially if they are underinflated or overloaded.
Poor Tyre Maintenance: Ignoring low tyre pressure, tyre alignment, wheel balancing, and sidewall damage can all increase the risk of a tyre blowout.
Your Tyre Bursts at High Speed. What Should You Do?
The first few seconds after a tyre blowout are the most critical because you’ve either lost control, or you’re frightened. Your first instinct may be to slam on the brakes or jerk the steering wheel, however, this is how you can take control of your vehicle if it is in such a situation and bring it to a safe stop.
Step 1: Remain Calm
Although a tyre blowout can be very alarming at high speeds, maintaining your composure will ensure that you have a better chance of remaining in control.
Holding the steering wheel with both hands will help you maintain control so you can drive the vehicle in a straight line without making any quick or sudden moves.
Step 2: Maintain Control of the Steering Wheel
After experiencing a tyre blowout or tyre explosion, the car may start to pull towards the direction of the damaged tyre since the tyre has now become less stable. It is important to hold the steering wheel firmly in both hands while making slight adjustments to keep the vehicle going in a straight line. Do not make sudden movements with the steering wheel.
Step 3: Take Your Foor Off the Accelerator and Do Not Apply the Brakes
Some drivers might make the mistake of braking abruptly in a moment of panic or fear.
Applying the brakes in such situations will transfer the car's weight to the damaged tyre increasing the possibility of the car skidding or spinning.
Instead, ease off the accelerator gently and let the vehicle come to a halt gradually. When you feel that you are in control of the vehicle, apply the brakes gently and progressively. In case of vehicles with manual transmissions, avoid pushing the clutch pedal immediately but allow the engine to assist in deceleration first.
Step 4: Turn the Indicator On and Move to a Safe Spot
Now that you are in control of the car and have slowed down, you should switch on the indicator and move to a safe spot. It is important to make gradual turns and never make sudden lane changes while performing this step.
Step 5: Switch on the Hazard Lights
As soon as it is safe to do so, turn on the hazard lights on the car. Doing so will alert other drivers that there is an emergency in your vehicle and this gives them time to slow down, change lanes, or keep a safe distance while you pull over.
Step 6: Bring the Vehicle to a Complete Halt Before Getting Out
Stop the car completely before getting out of the vehicle.
In case you are on a busy road such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, watch out for any cars coming your way. If it is not safe to get out of the vehicle at once, stay in the car with your seatbelt on until it is safe to exit or help arrives.
If you need to get out, exit from the side away from moving traffic whenever possible and move to a safe location while waiting for assistance.
Can a tyre burst without warning?
This is true, however, many tyres show warning signs first, such as low pressure, tyre cracks, tyre bulges, tyre vibration, or uneven tyre wear and this is why regular inspections help catch problems before they become dangerous.
In summary
A tyre blowout can happen in seconds and most times, it is unpredictable. Check tyre pressures at least once a month, before long trips, and whenever there’s a major weather change. It’s also a good habit to check it whenever you refuel.
It's also smart to have help just a tap away. Register on the Whipcare app and keep access to tyre emergency assistance and roadside support whenever you need it.
Nothing disappears with Whipcare, so your vehicle information stays securely organised and easily accessible whenever, and wherever you need it.
