A 3-minute lesson from the Arizona course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Blowouts and mechanical failures can happen any time. Knowing the right first move — often the opposite of your instinct — keeps a failure from turning into a crash.
If a tire blows out:
Hold the steering wheel tightly and keep the vehicle going straight
Ease off the gas; do not apply the brakes
Let the vehicle slow until almost stopped, signal, pull off the road, then brake
An ABC rated dry chemical extinguisher is best for vehicle fires. Never use water on burning gasoline — it spreads the flames. A heavy blanket, coat or sand can smother flames.
Power steering failure (for example, the engine dies in a turn): grip the wheel firmly with both hands, finish the turn, move right and stop — push the brakes extra hard if you have power brakes.
Your front tire blows at 65 mph and the car pulls hard. Grip the wheel, keep it straight and ease off the gas without braking. Once you've slowed to almost stopped, signal, pull off and brake.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
If you experience a tire blowout, what should you do with the gas and brake pedals initially?
Pump the brakes rapidly right away
Ease off the gas; don't brake
Apply the brakes hard immediately
Press the gas to maintain control
Answer: Ease off the gas; don't brake
Ease off the gas pedal and do not apply the brakes right away; let the vehicle slow naturally before braking.