Status: 30/09/2023, 15:29 p.m.
By: Sebastian Oppenheimer
CommentsShare
If a tire bursts at high speed, it can be very dangerous. Above all, according to experts, you should not brake hard in such a case.
There are two main things that many drivers are afraid of: one is to encounter a wrong-way driver, the other is a blowout on the highway. The latter has now happened to TV star Daniel Aminati (49) – with his one-year-old daughter on board. As he explained to Bild, the whole thing happened at about 120 km / h, fortunately he did not skid and was able to bring his Mercedes SUV to a safe stop on the hard shoulder. Neither he nor his daughter were injured. But how should drivers actually react to a tire blowout?
Imminent tire blowout: Recognizing typical signs in advance
First of all, it is important to recognize the typical signs of an imminent puncture. These include spongy handling of the car, a change in the feedback from the steering as well as unfamiliar driving noises or even smoke. If a tire monitoring system is on board, it displays a warning in parallel or alternatively. As soon as one of the above signs occurs, you should stop at the next opportunity and check the tires.
A puncture can be very dangerous, especially on the motorway. (Symbolic image) © Arnulf Hettrich/Imago
You can find even more exciting car topics in the free newsletter from our partner 24auto.de.
Tire blowout on the highway: Experts advise against strong braking maneuvers
But what if the tire suddenly bursts? Even if it is very difficult in such a situation, the top priority is: keep calm! Panic reactions can lead to an accident all the more. First of all, you should turn on the hazard warning lights – then let the car coast, advises the ADAC. According to the automobile club, heavy braking should be avoided because otherwise the tires could suffer additional damage. The car must then be parked at the side of the road – and to ensure the safety of the passengers, it must be left on the side facing away from the road. Before that, the safety vests that must always be carried in the car must be put on. Finally, the breakdown vehicle must be secured with a warning triangle.
Incorrect air pressure and worn tread: A tire blowout can have many causes
There are many reasons for a tire blowout. One cause can be, for example, an incorrect tire pressure, which is why it should be checked regularly. Likewise, a damaged tire (e.g. due to hitting the curb too hard) can lead to a burst. Foreign objects such as nails or screws can also cause damage. And the tread can also play a role: If a tire is worn too much, the risk of a burst also increases.
