Video lessons · Unit 12: Emergencies and crashes

A Tire Blowout

What if a tire blows out? Grandpa explains it in one minute.

What you'll learn

• Kiddo, what do you do if a tire blows out?
• No! Firm grip, ease off the gas, and brake gently once you're going straight.
• Skidding? Look and steer where you want to go. Your eyes are the boss.
• Car stalls on the tracks? Get out and run at an angle, toward the train's side.
• Then call the number on the blue sign. You can buy another car; not another you.
• Stop, help, call 911 if needed, and share your info. Hit-and-run is a crime, kiddo.

Test yourself: 5 exam-style questions

1. 1. You have a tire blowout on the highway. What do you do first?

   1. Slam on the brakes right away to stop
   2. Speed up hard to keep control of the car
   3. Steer hard onto the shoulder right away
   4. Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas
   Show answer

   Answer: Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas

   Firm grip, foot off the gas. Brake gently once the car is going straight.

2. 2. Your brake pedal sinks to the floor and won't stop the car. What do you try first?

   1. Open the door and drag your foot
   2. Turn off the engine and pull the key
   3. Pump the brake pedal fast
   4. Shift into reverse to slow down
   Show answer

   Answer: Pump the brake pedal fast

   Pump it, kiddo. Sometimes that builds pressure back up.

3. 3. Pumping didn't work and you still have no brakes. What else helps you stop?

   1. Downshift and ease on the parking brake
   2. Shift into neutral and let the car coast
   3. Yank the parking brake hard at full speed
   4. Turn the engine off while still moving
   Show answer

   Answer: Downshift and ease on the parking brake

   Lower gear and a slow, steady parking brake. Yank it and you might spin.

4. 4. Your gas pedal gets stuck. What is the safest move?

   1. Reach down and pull the pedal up by hand
   2. Shift to neutral, brake, and pull over
   3. Turn off the engine and pull the key out
   4. Keep driving until the pedal comes loose
   Show answer

   Answer: Shift to neutral, brake, and pull over

   Neutral, brake, pull over. Once stopped, turn off the engine. Pull the key while moving and the steering wheel could lock.

5. 5. Your car starts to skid. Which way do you steer?

   1. Toward the nearest curb
   2. Where you want the car to go
   3. Keep it straight and brake hard
   4. Opposite from where you want to go
   Show answer

   Answer: Where you want the car to go

   Look and steer where you want to go. Easy on the gas and brakes.