What should you do if your tyre bursts while driving?

A tyre bursting when you are driving is a very scary experience.

Despite the panic you may be feeling, the best thing that you can do in this scenario is stay calm.

Once a tyre bursts, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and do your best to maintain control of the car.

You may find that your car will start to pull in the direction of the burst tyre. It is important that you resist the urge to apply the brakes suddenly. This could cause you to lose control of the car.

Instead, slowly ease off the accelerator. Allow the car to slow down gradually on its own. Whilst the car is slowing down, do your best to stop it from pulling to the side. Try to keep the car in a straight line. Do not turn the steering wheel or change direction at this point. This could cause the car to spin or roll.

Once you have the car under control and it has slowed down, signal to other drivers that you need to pull over to a safe location if possible. If this is not possible, your only option may be to just stop the car on the road. This can be extremely dangerous. So should only be a last resort. Do not get out of the car into busy traffic.

If you can. aim for a level, straight stretch of road with a wide shoulder. The hard shoulder on the motorway as well. If you are beside somewhere safe to park use that. Try your best to remove your vehicle from the road and any traffic. Although this is easier to say that actually do.

If you have a spare tyre and feel confident in changing it yourself (and it is safe to do so), change the tyre.

Alternatively, call for roadside assistance or a breakdown service.