A sudden tyre blowout at motorway speed is one of the most dangerous driving situations. Follow these expert steps to stay in control and get back on the road safely.
A tyre blowout at 70mph is terrifying. The car suddenly pulls hard to one side, noise is extreme and instinct tells you to brake hard — but that's exactly the wrong reaction. Knowing what to do in advance could save your life.
Why Blowouts Happen
Common causes of tyre blowouts:
- Severely under-inflated tyres generating excessive heat
- Tyres worn below 1.6mm or structurally damaged
- High-speed impact with pothole or road debris
- Age-degraded rubber failing under stress
- Overloading the vehicle beyond tyre load rating
Step-by-Step Blowout Response
- Keep steering wheel firmly in both hands — resist the pull
- Do NOT brake sharply — gently ease off the throttle
- Keep the car going straight — correct steering gently
- Let the car slow naturally to below 30mph before braking
- Signal left and move to the hard shoulder or lay-by
- Exit the car from the left side away from traffic
- Place hazard warning triangle 45m behind the car
- Call emergency services if on a motorway, then call us
Never attempt to change a tyre on the hard shoulder of a motorway. Wait for professional assistance — the risk of being struck by passing vehicles is too high.
After the Blowout
Once safe, call Totally Mobile Tyres. We carry emergency replacement tyres and can reach most motorway locations within an hour. If you have a spare, our team can assist with fitting it safely in a suitable location.
