A tyre blowout on the freeway is every driver’s nightmare. One minute you’re cruising along at 100 km/h, the next—you hear a loud bang, your steering wheel shakes violently, and the car starts pulling to one side. It’s scary, it’s dangerous, and it can happen to anyone.
The good news? If you know what to do in that split second, you can stay safe and avoid turning a tyre problem into a serious accident. So let’s talk through what you should do—and what to avoid—if you ever find yourself in that situation.
First, Stay Calm (Easier Said Than Done, But Critical)
It might feel like your instinct is to slam on the brakes or yank the steering wheel, but that’s the worst thing you can do. Your car is already unstable—braking hard can make it spin or swerve.
Instead:
- Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
- Gently ease your foot off the accelerator
- Let the car slow down naturally
The goal is to maintain control and avoid overreacting.
Steer Safely to the Side of the Road
Once your car begins to slow and you’ve got it under control, start guiding it toward the emergency lane or the shoulder of the freeway.
Use your indicators to let other drivers know what you’re doing—don’t forget, traffic around you is still moving fast. Once you’ve made it to a safe spot, come to a stop and put your hazard lights on straight away.
Don’t Try Changing the Tyre on the Freeway
This one’s big: do not attempt to change a tyre on the side of a busy freeway. It’s just not worth the risk.
Even if you’re confident with a jack and a spare, freeway traffic is unpredictable—and having cars fly past you at 100 km/h while you’re crouched next to your vehicle is a recipe for disaster.
Instead:
- Call roadside assistance
- Or contact a local towing service to get you and your car off the freeway safely
In places like Melbourne, most tow truck companies offer 24/7 help and can get to you pretty quickly.
What If You Don’t Have Roadside Cover?
If you don’t have RACV or roadside assistance, you’re not out of options. Many independent towing companies can help at a moment’s notice. Keep a list of local towing numbers in your glovebox or saved in your phone—it’s one of those small things that makes a big difference when things go wrong.
And hey, if your car’s older or you’ve been meaning to get rid of it anyway, a tyre blowout might be the final straw. In that case, you can even consider calling a cash-for-cars company instead. Some of them (like us) will tow it for free and pay you cash on the spot—even if it’s not driveable.
A Real-World Example
We had a bloke call us from the Monash Freeway near Glen Waverley. He was driving an older Ford Falcon that suffered a front tyre blowout, spun slightly, and ended up safely on the shoulder. The car was already overdue for repairs, and this was the tipping point for him.
Rather than paying for a new tyre and still worrying about roadworthiness, he decided to sell it then and there. We were on-site in 40 minutes, paid him $900, and towed the vehicle. Problem solved—no stress, no waiting around.
Preventing Tyre Blowouts: Quick Tips
While you can’t prevent every mishap, there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of a blowout:
- Check your tyre pressure regularly (underinflated tyres are more likely to blow)
- Look for wear and cracks
- Avoid overloading your car
- Don’t drive on old tyres—even if the tread looks okay, rubber degrades with time
Tyre maintenance is one of those boring-but-important things that often gets overlooked until it’s too late.
The Takeaway
A tyre blowout on the freeway is scary—but it doesn’t have to end in chaos. Keep calm, steer carefully, and don’t take unnecessary risks by attempting a roadside fix in fast traffic.
Whether you call roadside assistance, a tow truck, or a cash-for-cars service, the most important thing is your safety. Cars can be repaired or replaced—you can’t.
Worth Remembering
Next time you’re heading out on the freeway, give your tyres a quick check. And if the worst happens, don’t panic. With the right response and a clear head, you’ll be able to handle it—and help will never be too far away.
Need help with a non-driveable car after a tyre blowout? Our friendly team is just a call away. We’ll tow it, buy it, or simply give you advice on your next move.
If you are in Moorabbin, and looking to sell your car or get cash for trucks, below is the best way to visit us.
Eastern Cash For Cars
720 High St Rd, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150
(03) 7035 7830
www.easterncashforcars.com.au
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