A tire blowout may happen while you drive at some point in your life. This can be a scary thing to get through, but it’s important to recognize that it is possible to maintain control.

Knowing how to prevent a crash if you have tire blowout is essential. So, what should you do? Here are some tips to get you through this sudden driving emergency.

Don’t hit the brakes

The first inclination people have is to hit the brake when something’s wrong, but this can actually make it even more difficult to control your vehicle. Instead, keep your wheel straight and allow your vehicle to slow down to 30 mph or slower over time. If you have the ability, find your hazard lights and turn them on at the same time.

Press lightly on the acceleration

Accelerating seems counterintuitive, but it can help rebalance your vehicle. The failing or failed tire will slow your vehicle, so even if you press on the accelerator, it won’t speed you up much (if at all).

Don’t turn the wheel

Finally, don’t make the mistake of turning your wheel. If you do, you could cause your vehicle to spin out or enter into another lane, which could result in a collision with others on the road.

What causes tire blowouts?

One of the main causes is poor tire maintenance, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Always make sure your tires are inflated, balanced and rotated as directed in your owner’s manual. Other possible causes of a blowout include hitting a pothole, adding too much weight to your vehicle and heat (over-inflation).

If you do end up in a collision with someone who has lost control because of a tire blowout, stay calm. You should both seek medical attention, and you can file a claim at a later time.