A tyre blowout happens in an instant but feels like slow motion. The bang, the lurch, the sudden loss of control — it is terrifying, especially on a busy Dundee road or motorway. Knowing how to react can make the difference between a controlled stop and a serious accident.
The most important rule during a blowout is: do not brake hard. Sudden braking shifts weight forward, putting more load on the blown tyre and increasing the risk of losing control. Instead, gently ease off the accelerator and hold the steering wheel firmly to maintain your lane.
Let the car decelerate naturally. Once speed drops below about 30 mph, you can begin to brake gently and steer toward a safe stopping point such as the hard shoulder, a lay-by, or a quiet side street. Turn on your hazard warning lights immediately to alert other drivers.
Never attempt to change a tyre on the hard shoulder of a motorway if you can avoid it. It is one of the most dangerous places to work on a vehicle. Instead, call our emergency tyre fitting service and we will reach you as quickly as possible. If you must stop on the hard shoulder, exit the vehicle on the passenger side and stand well behind the safety barrier.
Blowouts are usually caused by under-inflation, overloading, old or degraded tyres, impact damage from potholes or kerbs, or manufacturing defects. Regular tyre pressure checks and visual inspections can prevent most blowouts before they happen.
After a blowout, the tyre is almost always destroyed and must be replaced. The wheel rim may also be damaged and should be inspected for cracks or deformation. Our technician will check both the tyre and the rim when we arrive, ensuring it is safe to fit a replacement.
For roadside assistance after a tyre blowout in Dundee, Broughty Ferry, Monifieth, or anywhere in Tayside, call Tayside Mobile Tyres. We offer rapid-response emergency fitting to get you safely back on the road without the risks of changing a tyre in traffic.
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