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What happens when a tyre bursts?
When a tyre bursts it loses pressure in an instant: you hear a loud bang, then a flapping noise, and the car tends to veer towards the side of the affected wheel. If a front tyre bursts, the steering pulls hard; if it's a rear one, the back of the car can become unstable.
Unlike an ordinary puncture, where the tyre deflates gradually, a blowout leaves no time to react: that's why it's important to know in advance what to do.
How do you control the car if a tyre bursts?
The rule is to avoid sudden movements: the instinct to brake hard or swerve is exactly what makes you lose control.
- Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands and keep the car going straight.
- Don't brake sharply. Heavy braking can make you lose control: ease off the accelerator gradually and let the car slow down.
- Let the vehicle slow down by coasting, gradually lifting your foot.
- Switch on your hazard lights as soon as you're in control.
- Only when your speed is low, brake gently and steer the car towards the edge of the road or the hard shoulder.
If you ride a motorbike, the dynamics are more delicate: keep the handlebars steady, avoid braking hard and close the throttle progressively. Find out more on the page dedicated to motorbikes.
What should you do once you've stopped after a blowout?
Once you've stopped, your safety comes before the tyre.
- Apply the handbrake and switch off the engine.
- Put on your high-visibility vest before getting out if you're outside a built-up area, at night or in poor visibility.
- Place the warning triangle at least 50 metres behind the vehicle, visible from at least 100 metres.
- On the ring road or motorway, get out on the side away from the traffic, stay behind the crash barrier and don't cross the carriageway.
- Check whether anyone is injured or there are signs of smoke; in the event of an accident, call 112 (the European emergency number).
- Only call for tyre assistance once you're safe.
All the steps are explained in the guide on how to stay safe after a puncture.
Why does a tyre burst?
A tyre almost always bursts because its structure was already weakened. The most common causes are:
- Pressure too low for a long time, which makes the sidewall flex and overheat.
- Violent impacts with potholes or kerbs, which break the internal plies: often a bulge in the tyre appears first.
- Unrepaired cuts or sidewall damage (see cut tyre).
- Overloading the vehicle beyond the tyre's load index.
- Old or very worn tyres, with hardened, cracked rubber.
Can you drive on a burst tyre?
No, you can't drive on a burst tyre. The tyre is destroyed, the rim is resting directly on the tarmac and the car is unstable: carrying on even for a short distance risks damaging the rim, suspension and wheel arch, as well as being dangerous. Only move as far as you need to get out of a dangerous position, at walking pace.
Can a burst tyre be repaired?
A burst tyre can't be repaired: the blowout tears the tyre's structure and it has to be replaced. On the spot we can fit the spare wheel or space-saver so you can set off again; a new tyre needs to be checked on the phone based on size and availability.
After a blowout, especially if you've driven a few metres on the rim, also have the rim, wheel alignment and suspension checked.
How does SOS Tyre help after a blowout?
SOS Tyre comes out 24/7 in Milan and its province, including on the ring roads and main arterial roads, and sets off as soon as you call. Once you're safe, call +39 377 326 0999 or use the assistance request, telling us:
- your exact location, carriageway and direction of travel;
- your vehicle and whether you have a spare wheel, space-saver or just a kit;
- the tyre size, read from one of the other tyres if the burst one is illegible;
- a photo of the wheel, if you can take it without exposing yourself to traffic.
The technician carries out the wheel change, checks that the rim and spare wheel are in a fit state for you to set off again and gets you back on the road in no time.
Frequently asked questions
Should I brake if a tyre bursts on the ring road?
Don't brake sharply. Keep the steering wheel straight with both hands, gradually lift your foot off the accelerator and let the car slow down. Only at reduced speed should you brake gently and steer the vehicle onto the hard shoulder with your hazard lights on.
How can I prevent a tyre blowout?
Check the pressure with the tyres cold at least once a month and before journeys, stick to the manufacturer's values and maximum load, inspect the sidewalls for bulges or cuts after hard impacts and replace tyres that are too worn or too old.
After a blowout, do I need to have anything else checked besides the tyre?
Yes. The blowout, and above all any distance driven on the rim, can damage the rim itself, the wheel alignment and suspension or wheel arch components. After replacing the tyre, it is wise to have the alignment checked at a garage.
Does a tyre blowout always make a noise?
Usually yes: you hear a loud bang followed by a rhythmic flapping noise. Sometimes, however, the failure is less clear-cut and you mainly feel it as a sudden swerve or a strong vibration. In both cases the procedure is the same: steady steering and gradual slowing down.