{"id":1829,"date":"2019-05-23T10:59:47","date_gmt":"2019-05-23T10:59:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/aa-highway.com.sg\/?p=1829"},"modified":"2019-06-28T11:06:34","modified_gmt":"2019-06-28T11:06:34","slug":"handle-a-burst-tyre-like-a-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/aa-highway.com.sg\/handle-a-burst-tyre-like-a-pro\/","title":{"rendered":"Handle A Burst Tyre Like A Pro"},"content":{"rendered":"
Do not panic when you experience a burst tyre while driving. And do not slam the brakes, either! Internalise these tips instead.<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The second half of 2019 begins today! Here is the chance to evaluate your year so far and take action to get back on track in achieving your goals.<\/p>\n

The sight of pieces of tyre rubber on the road may fill us with dread that something similar could happen to us. When tyres run flat, there is still a chance of driving slowly to a petrol station or workshop. But if your tyre bursts from the impact of, say, hitting a pothole or the kerb, your car will very likely start to weave about, resulting in a potentially dangerous situation.<\/p>\n

There have been improvements in tyre technology \u2014 such as run-flat and self-sealing tyres \u2014 that have significantly lowered the chances of getting a blown or burst tyre. But it helps to be prepared just in case it happens to you.<\/p>\n

Reaction<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our immediate reaction to a tyre bursting may be to slam the brakes, but \u2014 however counter-intuitive it sounds \u2014 acting the exact opposite way is what we should do! Don\u2019t apply the brakes; instead, keep driving your car as you would normally.<\/p>\n

Try to correct your steering and don\u2019t veer off the road immediately to inspect the damage. If you feel a drag that is pulling your car back, accelerate gently to make up for it; this is because, in order to control your car, your wheels need to continue moving. Once your car is under control, ease off the accelerator and brake lightly to slow down.<\/p>\n

Once you have slowed down, pull over safely to the side of the road. If you are aware of which side the burst tyre is on, stop such that the damaged tyre is away from oncoming traffic. If you have a spare tyre and know how to change, do so only if you are not in any danger from traffic, and follow the necessary safety procedures.<\/p>\n

Prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although the idea of a burst tyre is something kept at the back of our minds, here are some tips to help prevent such an experience:<\/p>\n

\"\"1.<\/strong> Car tyres age even when not driven. The exterior may look good, but the interior rubber could have deteriorated. It is recommended that tyres get replaced every three to five years or so. You should also occasionally check that the tyre tread is at least 2mm deep. You can check how close you are to this legal limit by comparing the tread on a tyre against the tyre\u2019s treadwear indicator, which is a small raised bump at the bottom of the groove.<\/p>\n

2.<\/strong> A majority of burst tyres actually result from under-inflation. With low tyre pressure, more of the tyre\u2019s surface comes in contact with the road, leading to excessive flexing of the tyre sidewalls. This increased friction results in overheating and sometimes premature bursting.<\/p>\n

\"\"3.<\/strong> Driving at excessive speed is always a concern, but doing so continuously causes the tyres to heat up, expanding the air inside and increasing the tyre pressure. Also, be aware that tyres do have speed ratings \u2014 check them so that you do not go beyond what your tyres are built for. The speed rating is indicated by the last alphabet on the line of text etched on your tyre sidewall. For example, if the line reads 225\/55R17 97 T, the tyre\u2019s speed rating is T and it translates to a maximum speed of 190km\/h. As a guide, the maximum speed for each letter is as follows:<\/p>\n