A flat tire is one of the more common occurrences that car owners have with their vehicles. When this problem happens while the car is parked, it is a relatively simple matter of putting air into the tire or replacing the flat tire with the spare. If the tire chooses to go flat while the car is in motion, however, it is called a blowout and can have much more serious consequences.

Flat tires typically occur when the tires on a car lose their air pressure. In most cases, the air escapes slowly and is lost gradually over a long and extended period of time. You may realize that the tire looks a little lower than the other tires or perhaps the bottom of the tire actually starts to appear a little flat. When the tire has a slow leak, you may find that you can correct the problem by filling the tire with air and continue to drive the car even though the tire still has the slow leak. You will have to continue refilling the tire with air each time the pressure starts to go down, but this does give you more time to have the problem fixed.

When a tire has a blowout, however, it is usually instantaneous and is caused by a rapid loss of air pressure. A blowout is typically the result of the tire driving over something that was hard enough to actually penetrate into the tire. As this occurs, the car may appear to wobble and can become increasingly harder to control. To remain in control of the car, there are some steps you need to follow.

1. Clear your mind and concentrate on the task at hand and what is happening to the car. Remind yourself of what you need to do to retain control of the car and keep yourself safe. Be aware that you will only have seconds to react.

2. Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. Place your hands at the “10 and 2” position on the steering wheel to maximize your control of the car. Maintain a firm grip. Make an attempt to keep the car in your own lane and on a straight course.

3. Take your foot slowly off the gas pedal to reduce the speed of the car. The car will decelerate and you can bring it to a stop.

4. Avoid locking down the brakes as you stop the car. Apply gentle pressure to the brake pedal with your foot to help slow down the car and bring it to a stop.

5. Navigate the car to the side of the road. Do not turn the steering wheel too quickly as you could lose control of the car. Switch on your turn signal to indicate that you are pulling over to the side of the road.

6. Turn on the hazard lights of the car to make drivers aware that your car is pulled over on the side of the road. Remember to use extreme caution when exiting the vehicle to avoid getting hit by passing vehicles.

Frank James writes for several insurance sites and suggests finding cheap Louisiana car insurance quotes or compare North Dakota auto insurance rates on the internet.