Flat Tyre or Burst Tyre: What to Do
A burst tyre is frightening but manageable if you stay calm.
If a tyre bursts while driving
- Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands.
- Do not slam the brakes.
- Ease off the accelerator and let the car slow down.
- Brake gently once the car is under control.
- Switch on hazard lights and pull off the road onto firm, flat ground.
⚠️ Safety: Never change a tyre close to moving traffic or on a slope or soft ground. Put a warning triangle or leafy branch behind the car, and keep passengers away from the road.
Changing a flat tyre
- Park on flat, hard ground, apply the handbrake and put the car in gear or Park.
- Loosen the wheel nuts a half turn while the wheel is on the ground.
- Place the jack at the jacking point shown in the owner's manual and lift the car.
- Remove the nuts and the wheel, fit the spare and hand-tighten the nuts.
- Lower the car, then tighten the nuts in a star pattern.
- Check the spare's pressure and drive slowly to a tyre shop.
Prevent bursts
Check tyre pressure every two weeks, replace tyres that are cracked, bulging or worn smooth, and do not overload the car. Rough Ugandan roads and hot weather increase the risk.