Introduction
Unexpected vehicle malfunctions can happen to even the most careful drivers. Among the most dangerous are tire blowouts and brake failures, both of which can occur without warning and cause panic if you’re unprepared. In this video lesson, we’ll walk you through the right steps to take in these emergencies so you can remain calm, stay in control, and keep yourself and others safe.
Key Safety Tips
Tire Blowout
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Stay Calm: Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel—do not jerk or oversteer.
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Don’t Slam the Brakes: Braking suddenly can cause you to lose control.
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Ease Off the Gas: Gradually slow down by letting off the accelerator.
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Steer Straight: Guide the car to a safe area off the road.
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Stop Safely: Once at a complete stop, turn on hazard lights and change the tire or call for assistance.
Brake Failure
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Pump the Brake Pedal: Sometimes pumping restores enough brake pressure to stop.
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Downshift Gently: Use lower gears to slow the vehicle if driving a manual or “low gear” in an automatic.
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Use the Emergency Brake: Pull the parking brake slowly and steadily to avoid skidding.
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Alert Others: Turn on hazard lights and honk to warn nearby drivers.
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Steer to Safety: Guide your vehicle to the shoulder or an open area until you come to a complete stop.