A tyre blowout at 100km/h is one of the most dangerous things that can happen on the road. Here's how to handle it without making it worse.
1The First 3 Seconds: Don't Overcorrect
When a tyre blows at highway speed, your instinct will be to brake hard and steer away from the blowout. Resist this. Hard braking during a blowout can cause a spin. Instead: grip the wheel firmly with both hands, maintain your current steering direction, and gradually ease off the accelerator. Let the car slow naturally before applying gentle, progressive braking.
Pro tip: Counter-intuitively, briefly accelerating (just for a second) after a rear blowout can help stabilise the vehicle before you slow down.
2Getting to Safety
Once you have the vehicle under control, signal left and move to the shoulder or emergency bay. Keep your speed below 30km/h once on the shoulder — driving on a flat rim can damage the wheel and make the vehicle harder to control. Aim for a flat, stable surface away from the traffic lane.
3Should You Change the Tyre Yourself?
On a quiet suburban street? Sure, if you have a spare and know how to use it. On a motorway shoulder? Absolutely not. Changing a tyre on a live motorway shoulder is one of the leading causes of roadside fatalities in Australia. The risk of being struck by a passing vehicle is simply too high. Call a towing service and let professionals handle it.
Pro tip: Even if you have a spare, a tow truck can change it safely off the motorway — or tow you to the nearest tyre shop if the rim is damaged.
4What If You Don't Have a Spare?
Many modern vehicles no longer come with a full-size spare — they have a "space-saver" temporary spare or run-flat tyres. Space-savers are limited to 80km/h and 80km distance. Run-flat tyres can be driven on for up to 80km at reduced speed after a puncture. Check your owner's manual to know what you have before you need it.
5Calling for Help in Brisbane
If you're on the M1, Gateway Motorway, Logan Motorway, or any major Brisbane arterial road, call Car Towing Services Brisbane on 0469 264 626. We'll reach you within 30–45 minutes, change your tyre safely off the road, or tow you to the nearest tyre shop. We cover all of Greater Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dave Nguyen
Owner & Lead Operator, Car Towing Services Brisbane
Dave has been towing vehicles across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast for over 15 years. He founded Car Towing Services Brisbane with one rule: treat every customer's car like it's your own.