Safety Advice for Coping with a Punctured Tyre When Driving
Driving the speed limit often means driving at a high rate, which can be dangerous if your tyre develops a rupture. Even the most seasoned motorists will feel fear as they struggle to control the car.
Depending on the severity of the puncture you may still have limited control over the vehicle, which will allow you to stop the car safely and in a position where it does not cause a hazard to other road users.
As soon as you suspect that one of the tyres has developed a puncture you need to fight the natural initial instinct to brake sharply and pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible. Instead stay calm, take a firm grip on the steering wheel and avoid using any harsh steering or braking inputs and allow your speed to gently decrease naturally.
If you do try to steer or brake at high speed when a tyre has punctured it is very likely that you will lose control and the vehicle could easily enter into a spin, due tothe adverse forces and loss of grip that a punctured tyre can cause. However once the speed has significantly decreased you can gently steer the car to the side of the road and allow it to roll to a stop naturally.
Once the car has been stopped out of the way of other drivers there are some steps to take. You will need to turn your hazard lights on. You will also need to assess the risk to you regarding the changing of the tyre. If you can exit the vehicle and not be in danger of oncoming cars you may elect to change the tyre. A car too close to the road could result in a severe incident, including the loss of your life. When the situation is too risky it is best to call road side services. They can assist you in reaching a better place to change the tyre.
When it is safe to change the tyre on the road you will need to get all mechanical equipment to change the tyre out of the car as well as anyone else in the car. The parking brake should be set. Any lights you have in the car can help you see the tyre more clearly especially during dusk or late evening. Always have your hazard coat on to allow any motorist to see you.
Before raising up your car you need to assess the correct jacking points. Your car manual should display these points clearly for you. The vehicle should also be secured on the jack before you remove the tyre.
When re-tightening the nuts after replacing the wheel always make sure you tighten them in opposite pairs, to ensure the wheel is fixed securely against the axel face, before driving off again.
Having to change a tyre at the side of the road can be a stressful experience for any motorist especially at night, so make sure you are visible to other drivers by leaving your Car Sidelight Bulbs on. It is also a good idea to consider installing Xenon Car Bulbs, which will make your vehicle stand out more at night.
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