If you have chosen Dubai as your destination for non-stop adrenaline-themed highway racing, you have made the right choice. This is because Dubai boasts one of the most expansive road networks in the UAE, as well as a multi-complex web of coastal roads and multi-lane highways. However, a slight issue can ruin this experience if you’re not careful enough.
The issue is none other than tyre bursts while driving. Knowing what to do if a tyre bursts while driving not only saves you from a headache, but it also enables you to take any route within the UAE while adhering to RTA’s rules and regulations. In this blog, we will examine the facts and every other detail you need to know.
Examining Tyre Bursts in Dubai: Common Causes
As a city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai’s climate holds a reputation as one of the hottest cities in the world, with prolonged periods of intense heatwaves. This creates a unique scenario where the highway remains heated throughout the early hours of the day while road vehicles keep zooming off its surface, increasing the likelihood of a tyre burst.
In some scenarios, you might have asked the question: Do I have to replace all four tyres if one pops?
Before we shed light on this, below are some listed causes of tyre bursts in the UAE.
Some of the causes of tyre bursts in the UAE are listed below:
Hot temperatures: As discussed earlier, Dubai’s temperatures remain among the most notoriously hot temperatures, particularly within the UAE. It is known to be one of the most common causes of tyre incidents in Dubai.
Inaccurate tyre pressure: Before driving on any route or highway, failing to check the pressure readings on the vehicle's tyres significantly increases the risk of tyre burst incidents, especially while moving on the highway. When driving at top speeds on the highway, this can increase the risk of tyres with inaccurate pressures bursting.
Worn-out tyres: Failure to replace ageing tyres also constitutes a major problem while driving on the highway. Worn-out tyres are major culprits, particularly in cases of road skidding, including major road mishaps affecting the rest of the traffic on the highway.
Steps to Take if a Tyre Burst Incident Occurs
The truth is, no one knows when a tyre burst will happen, and while the first reaction of most drivers is panic or fear, this is the best time to practice restraint and absolute control. This way, casualties can be minimised, and the mishap can be curtailed to a minimum. But questions like: What is the first thing to do when a tyre blows up from time to time?
Steps to take include:
- Maintain Concentration Without Taking Your Hands Off the Steering Wheel
Once you hear the loud pop, that is the first irrefutable signal that your tyre is already ruptured. Let your first response be: Balance without taking your hands off the vehicle while trying your absolute best to keep the vehicle straight.
- Let Go of the Throttle at Once
One of the first things most people do once in this situation is to slam the brakes in hopes of forcing the vehicle to a stop. This is counterintuitive, as the abrupt force experienced by the aberrant tyre might allow the tyre to hit a reverse roll, causing it to completely fall off, thereby affecting other vehicles on the road. Instead, what you should do is gently ease up on the throttle while allowing the vehicle to slow down naturally.
Amidst the chaos, it is important to remain mindful of the way the steering wheel is being turned. Steering the car abruptly can cause it to veer off its lane into another, setting the stage for impending damage.
- Signal and Move to a Safe Area
If you have been able to bring the vehicle under control, turn on your hazard lights and endeavour to avoid moving in the middle of traffic.
- Stop the Engine and Place a Warning Sign if Possible
Once the vehicle has completely come to a halt, try to apply the handbrakes and completely turn off the engine. Bring out your warning triangle to notify other drivers of the situation. In a case where the highway feels very busy, it might be better to remain seated until assistance is available for you right there.
- Fix the Damaged Tyre and Replace it with the Spare
Most vehicles in the UAE are recommended to carry an extra tyre in the trunk. If you have followed this, this is where the tyre becomes handy. If the conditions allow, try to change the tyre using the spare or, better still, wait for roadside assistance, especially if you’re a tourist.
Tips to Reduce Incidents of Tyre Burst while Driving
Sometimes, prevention can be more helpful than understanding how to survive a blown tyre in these scenarios. We have carefully created this list to help with prevention tips that can completely mitigate the risk of a tyre burst while enjoying a smooth ride on the highway.
Routinely Monitor Tyre Pressure
Frequency should be around once a month at a minimum.
Always before you embark on long road trips or long rides.
Every tyre has a recommended PSI for intended use; try to adhere to this limit.
Perform Manual Inspection of Tyres
Check for hidden cracks on the sidewall.
Inspect for wear and tear. Try to look out for unevenness.
Shards of glass or nails might be present in the tyres; be on the lookout for the tiny culprits.
Tyre Costs and Assistance in Dubai
Knowing what to do if a tyre bursts while driving, as well as the impending costs to expect during an emergency, can make the situation less stressful.
Tyre pressure checks: Often free at fuel stations.
Wheel alignment and balancing: Affordable and quick at most service centres.
Tyre replacement: Prices vary depending on tyre size and vehicle type.
Roadside assistance: Commonly available through rental providers or optional add-ons.
When renting from BENO, customers can enquire about roadside assistance availability, offering peace of mind whether you’re navigating city streets or heading out on longer highway journeys.
BENO’S Rental Service - Minimising Road Mishaps While Maximising the Overall Premium Experience
Nothing beats driving around Dubai in a well-maintained vehicle with long-lasting support to mitigate unforeseen risks that could arise, especially as a newcomer in Dubai. For locals, the need to be able to commute seamlessly every day is highly essential to maximise efficiency while utilising the safety tips for tyre burst listed above while working within the UAE.
BENO’s world-class curated service strives to ensure that:
Its vehicles are suitable for UAE conditions.
Its vehicles statistically have a reduced risk of breakdowns or emergencies.
Its vehicles provide extra confidence to take highly unfamiliar routes.
A tyre burst is an experience that is dreaded by most experienced drivers, while its occurrence can be random on some occasions, knowing what to do if a tyre bursts while driving significantly improves the chances of de-escalating the situation. The best driving experience in Dubai is a result of safe driving measures, properly maintained cars, like the cars at BENO, and proper road and weather knowledge in the UAE.
FAQs
- What should you do if your tyre bursts while driving?
If your tyre bursts while driving, maintain concentration, let go of the throttle and refrain from steering abruptly.
What to do if a tyre pops while driving?
Turn on your emergency lights to inform incoming vehicles of your current situation.
- What is the 3% tire rule?
The 3% rule states that when replacing tyres, the new tyre's diameter should not differ from the original by more than 3%
- Who is at fault for a tyre blowout?
It depends on the level of damage and the source. There are several cases where the manufacturer might be the cause, especially if it is a factory error.
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