What should you do if a tire blows out?

When a tire blows out, the best practice is to grip the steering wheel tightly and gradually ease off the gas. This is essential because a sudden loss of tire pressure can cause the vehicle to become unstable. By maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel, you help ensure that the vehicle remains steady as it reacts to the loss of balance caused by the blowout. Easing off the gas allows you to slow down in a controlled manner rather than abruptly losing speed, which can further destabilize the vehicle.

It's also important to refrain from making sudden movements such as sharply turning the steering wheel or hitting the brakes hard during a blowout. Those actions can lead to loss of control and increase the risk of an accident. Instead, gradually allowing the vehicle to slow down while steering straight keeps you in control, giving you the best chance of safely bringing the vehicle to a stop.