If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to “blowout” while you are
driving, especially if you maintain your tires
properly. SeeTires on page 392. If air goes out of a
tire, it is much more likely to leak out slowly. But if
you should ever have a “blowout”, here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag
that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your
foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel rmly. Steer to maintain lane
position, and then gently brake to a stop well out
of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much
like a skid and may require the same correction
you’d use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove
your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the
vehicle under control by steering the way you want
the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and
noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake to a
stop — well off the road if possible.If a tire goes at, and your vehicle has a spare
tire, seeChanging a Flat Tire (CTS Only) on
page 424. This information shows you how to use
your vehicle’s tire changing equipment and
how to change a at tire safely.
{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. The jack provided with your
vehicle is designed only for changing a
at tire. If it is used for anything else, you
or others could be badly injured or killed
if the vehicle slips off the jack. Use the
jack provided with your vehicle only for
changing a at tire.
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