Tips

How to Deal With a Tire Blowout While Driving

Experiencing a tire blowout while driving can be a terrifying situation, especially on the busy roads of the Philippines. When it happens, it can cause sudden loss of control and endanger everyone on the road. Knowing the right steps to take can not only help you maintain control of your vehicle but also keep you and other road users safe.

However, some drivers either don’t know what to do or react incorrectly, making the situation worse. In such cases, it is important to stay calm and to prioritize getting on the safe side of the road. In order to do that, they need more information about what happens when a tire blows out while running and how to actively deal with it while driving. This is a simple guide on how to handle a tire blowout effectively.

how to deal tire blowout burst driving

What is a Tire Blowout?

A tire blowout refers to a sudden bursting of a tire, which typically occurs when the tire fails due to excessive stress or damage. It usually occurs when a tire suddenly bursts due to factors such as overloading, under-inflation, or hitting a sharp object. When it happens, the tire tears apart and rapidly loses air pressure.

As a result, the car can become difficult to control, especially at high speeds, leading to potentially dangerous situations. This can also result in a loss of control, particularly if the driver reacts improperly. Poor road conditions, such as potholes or debris, can further increase the risk of a tire blowout.

Causes

  • Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can damage tires.
  • Overloading: Carrying excessive weight puts extra stress on tires.
  • Under-inflation: Low tire pressure increases the likelihood of a blowout.
  • Over-inflation: Excessive tire pressure can make tires more susceptible to bursting.
  • Tire wear and tear: Old or damaged tires are more prone to failure.
  • Hitting sharp objects: Nails, glass, or other sharp items can puncture tires.
  • High speeds: Driving at high speeds increases the heat and stress on tires, leading to potential blowouts.

Risks

  • Loss of vehicle control: Sudden blowouts can make steering difficult, especially at high speeds.
  • Accidents: Loss of control can lead to collisions with other vehicles or objects.
  • Injury or fatality: Severe blowouts can result in serious injuries or even fatalities to the driver, passengers, or other road users.
  • Damage to the vehicle: A blowout can cause significant damage to the wheel, suspension, and other parts of the vehicle.
  • Traffic disruptions: A blown tire can cause traffic jams or accidents, affecting other road users.

Immediate Steps to Take During a Tire Blowout

To avoid the risks and dangers associated with tire blowout while driving, you need to follow these steps carefully:

Step 1. Take Your Foot Off the Accelerator

As soon as you hear a loud bang or feel the car start to wobble, take your foot off the accelerator pedal. This helps to reduce speed gradually and prevents further loss of control.

Step 2. Do Not Slam on the Brakes

It’s instinctive to want to slam on the brakes, but this can worsen the situation by causing the vehicle to skid. Instead, keep your foot off the brake pedal to avoid sudden stops.

Step 3. Hold On to the Steering Wheel

Grip the steering wheel firmly to maintain control of the vehicle. Keep the steering wheel straight as much as possible to prevent swerving.

Step 4. Slow Down Gradually

Allow the vehicle to slow down gradually. Sudden movements can cause further instability, so ease off the gas pedal slowly.

Step 5. Apply the Brake Softly

Once the vehicle is under control and has slowed down significantly, you can gently apply the brakes. This helps bring the vehicle to a complete stop safely.

Step 6. Pull Over to a Safe Side of the Road

When you have slowed to a safe speed, steer the vehicle towards the side of the road. Choose a spot that is away from traffic, such as the shoulder or a parking area, to avoid obstructing other vehicles.

Safety Precautions and Tips

Since prevention is always better than a cure, taking proactive steps can greatly reduce the risk of a tire blowout. By following these safety precautions and tips, you can ensure a safer driving experience and minimize potential hazards.

  • Regular Maintenance: Regularly check your tires for signs of wear and tear, proper inflation, and balance. This can prevent blowouts from occurring.
  • Load Appropriately: Avoid overloading your vehicle, as this can put extra stress on your tires.
  • Drive Safely: Be mindful of road conditions and drive at safe speeds. Avoid hitting potholes or debris that could damage your tires.
  • Inspect Tread Depth: Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth for optimal grip and performance.
  • Rotate Tires: Regularly rotate your tires to ensure even wear and extend their lifespan.
  • Check for Damage: Inspect your tires for cuts, punctures, or bulges that could indicate potential problems.
  • Maintain Proper Inflation: Keep your tires properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Avoid Over-inflation: Do not exceed the recommended tire pressure to prevent excess stress on the tires.
  • Replace Old Tires: Replace tires that are old or have reached the end of their service life, regardless of tread wear.
  • Use Quality Tires: Invest in high-quality tires suited for your vehicle and driving conditions to enhance safety and performance.

Contacting the Authorities

In the event of a tire blowout or any other roadside emergency, it’s important to inform the relevant authorities since they can provide assistance and ensure that proper safety measures are taken on the road. Keep the roadside emergency hotline handy and don’t hesitate to contact them if needed.

Video: How to Survive a Tire Blowout

For more information on how to deal with and survive a tire blowout while driving, then you might want to watch this video from How to Survive:

Summary

Handling a tire blowout calmly and correctly can make a significant difference in the outcome of such a stressful situation. Remember these steps, and you’ll be better prepared to manage a tire blowout safely. If you follow these guidelines and maintain your vehicle properly, you can be guaranteed a safer driving experience on the roads anywhere in the Philippines and beyond.

How Much is Disregarding Traffic Sign (DTS) Penalty?

Disregarding traffic signs and symbols is one of the most commonly committed violations of Filipino drivers. Though everyone knows that the traffic signs and symbols or road signs are especially hoisted as a necessity on the roads to relay information, instructions, or warnings for all motorists and ensure that drivers get all the warning they need to stay safe on the road as early as possible, not everyone cares about following them.

Because of those who disregard the rules and signs, serious traffic accidents still occur on almost a regular basis, resulting in many deaths. Most of these accidents primarily stem from the fault of drivers. Maybe it’s their lack of awareness of the law or simple disobedience, but it is a fact that people who violate the road rules and disobey the signals, signs, and regulations of the traffic law are quite common in the Philippines.

disregarding traffic sign penalty violation

What are Traffic Signs and Symbols

Traffic signs or road signs are visual markers erected at the side of and above or on the roads, pavements, and bridges to give instructions or provide information to road users. The earliest type of road signs were simple wooden or stone milestones with large letters, pictures, or symbols. They were designed to be simple and striking and are sometimes translated into Filipino or a place’s local dialect to make it easy to understand.

The traffic signs and symbols are usually designed using the official typeface for signs, Clearview. They usually reflect some influences from America, Australia, and the Vienna Convention and are regulated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) so the signs and symbols don’t change, regardless of location.

What Does it Mean to be Tagged with a Disregarding Traffic Sign (DTS) Violation

Being slapped with a Disregarding Traffic Sign (DTS) violation ticket means that you have disobeyed a visual traffic sign or symbol. It means that you, as a driver, have committed one or all kinds of activities involving disregarding traffic signs while driving on the road. 

Whether it was intentional or otherwise, disregarding traffic signs and symbols may cause all kinds of problems, ranging from simple fines and penalties, or worse, fatal accidents that can claim the lives of both drivers and unsuspecting pedestrians. 

What is the Penalty and Fine for Disregarding Traffic Signs (DTS) Violations in the Philippines

Being tagged with a DTS violation also means having to pay fines and settle penalties imposed by either the Land Transportation Office (LTO) or the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), or both. It is worth noting that some fines and penalties may be higher or lower depending on the Local Government Unit (LGU) as well.

Here’s more detailed information on DTS violations and its corresponding fines and penalties.

According to the list of traffic violations and fines imposed by the MMDA, DTS violators are subject to pay a fine amounting to P150.00 for the first, second, and third offense. For the LTO, however, there is no specific LTO fee to pay regarding DTS violations, though the agency and its enforcers are free to charge those who disregard traffic signs with violating traffic rules and regulations which carries a fine of P1,000.00. This 2023 DTS violation fine applies to all types of driver activities that don’t follow road rules and traffic signs while driving on the road.

Summary

While the DTS violation fine may seem affordable considering the damages it usually costs, it is still best to avoid DTS violations. As a driver, it is part of your responsibility to practice safe driving on the road. Doing so will save lives and avoid troubles that can cause financial and legal problems later on, especially if you intend to renew your driver’s license.

What are the Requirements for Motor Vehicle Registration? 

In the Philippines, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) works hard to ensure the safety and legality of vehicles on the road. To achieve this, the LTO established rules and regulations, along with mandatory registrations, and enforced its strict implementation to ensure accountability. 

If you are a proud car owner in the Philippines, then you will also need to start your driving journey by getting your car registered. To do so, you will need to understand and adhere to the requirements, so your car will be duly registered and deemed safe for driving. Doing so means you will have to prepare the requirements for motor vehicle registrations and try to convince the agency that your motor vehicle meets the necessary safety standards to be allowed to operate. To this end, here are all the specifics of LTO motor vehicle registration, including the detailed requirements. 

lto motor vehicle car registration requirements

What is Motor Vehicle Registration

Motor Vehicle (MV) Registration refers to the procedures of getting the first most important process for every car and car owner done. The procedure creates a unique identifier—the registered plate numbers—which helps the government create a link between vehicles and its owners and users, making the vehicle easy to trace and monitor. Plus, MV registrations ensure that the car is always in tiptop condition and able to keep its driver and passengers safe and out of harm’s way every time. 

MV Registration Classification

All motor vehicles are mandated by law to be registered under one of the following described classifications:

  • private passenger automobiles; 

  • private trucks; and 

  • private motorcycles, scooters, or motor wheel attachments. 

  • Public utility automobiles; 

  • public utility trucks; 

  • taxis and auto-calesas; 

  • garage automobiles; 

  • garage trucks; 

  • hire trucks: and 

  • trucks owned by contractors and customs brokers and customs agents. 

  • Undertakes

  • Dealers 

  • Government automobiles; 

  • government trucks; and 

  • government motorcycles. 

  • Tourists bringing their own motor vehicles

  • Special

What are the Requirements for Motor Vehicle Registration

To ensure that your motor vehicle will be registered at the LTO without much problems, here’s a list of all the required documents for the registration of your car.

General Requirements for Initial Registration of Brand New Motor Vehicles

To initiate the initial registration process for Brand New Locally Assembled / Manufactured Completely Built Units (CBU) / Imported CBUs / Brand A Imported Trailer

Additional Requirements for Specific Cases

Depending on the type of registration classification or vehicle size and weight, here’s a list of some additional documentary requirement:

Brand new motorcycle with sidecar (TC)

  • Original Affidavit of Attachment for sidecar executed by the owner and mechanic stating among other the date of completion

Tax Exempt

  • Original duly accomplished Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) with Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standard (CCES), if used imported

  • Certified true copy of Release Certificate, if used imported

  • DFA Endorsement

Used-Imported Exempted from EO 156/877-A

  • One (1) photocopy of Commercial invoice / Certificate of Title with English translation authenticated by the Embassy

  • Original duly accomplished Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) with Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standard (CCES)

Used-Imported Through the No Dollar Importation

  • One (1) photocopy of Commercial invoice of Motor Vehicle or Certificate of Title issued by the country of origin

  • Original / certified true copy of Authority under the No Dollar Importation. If no authority, Seizure Proceedings and Notice of Award

  • Original Affidavit of first and last importation

  • Original duly accomplished Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) with Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standard (CCES)

  • Certified true copy of Release Certificate

Rebuilt Trucks and Buses With New Or Used Imported Engine and/or Chassis

  • One (1) photocopy of Commercial / Sales Invoice from country of origin

  • Original Affidavit of Rebuilt executed by the accredited rebuilder, stating among others the date of completion

  • Original Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR) of rebuilt truck / bus

  • One (1) Certified true copy of DTI – FTEB Endorsement

  • One (1) photocopy of Certificate of Payment issued if parts/components are imported

Imported Motor Vehicles Acquired through Public Bidding

  • One (1) Certified true copy of Official Receipt evidencing payment of acquisition cost

  • One (1) Certified true copy of the Notice of Award

Required Fees

Other than the documents, motor vehicle registration requires funds to cover for payment of the LTO fees. 

These LTO fees include the following: 

  • Initial Fee: ₱ 1,000.00

  • Stickers and tags: ₱ 50.00 each

  • New Plate Number: ₱ 450.00

  • Inspection fees: ₱ 90.00 to ₱ 115.00

  • Penalty fee: If you fail to show up during the schedule of your car’s registration: ₱ 50.00

  • Other fees: Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) which may vary depending on the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), year of registration, and vehicle classification which may vary as follows:
    • Light vehicles: Passenger cars with a GVWR of up to 1,600kg.

    • Medium vehicles:Vehicles with a GVWR between 1,601kg and 2,300kg.

    • Heavy vehicles: Vehicles with a GVWR of 2,301kg or higher.

After paying for these fees, you may need to wait for your turn at the releasing counter. Usually, registrants are allowed to collect the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR), number plates, stickers, and other relevant documents on the same day. 

To check on the corresponding MVUC for your motor vehicle, you may check this guide on MVUC and other LTO fees.

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some things you need to remember w2hen going to any of the LTO offices in the Philippines for motor vehicle registration:

  • Motor vehicles registered under the first three classifications (for private vehicles) must not be used for hire under any circumstances including usage related to activities to solicit, accept, or be used to transport passengers or freight for pay.

  • Laborers necessary to handle freight on board private trucks may ride on such trucks provided that they satisfy the following conditions:
    • No seats shall be installed in the rear compartment 

    • Only a small number of laborers, not exceeding ten, are allowed to ride on the truck

    • The combined weight of cargo and passengers does not exceed the registered net capacity of the truck.

  • Vehicles used to carry freight not belonging to the registered owner, passengers who are not related by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree to the owner, shall be conclusively presumed to be “for hire.”

  • No person shall be allowed to register as a private truck.

  • Registrations under the dealers classification are intended to cover generally and successively all the motor vehicles imported or handled by dealers for sale. 

  • Motor vehicles registered under the dealer’s classification are dedicated only for the purpose of transporting the vehicle itself from the pier or factory to the warehouse or sales room or for delivery to a prospective purchaser or for test or demonstration.

  • Motor vehicles owned by the Government of the Philippines or any of its political subdivisions shall be registered as government automobiles. 

  • Motor vehicles owned by government corporations, by government employees or by foreign governments are not considered government automobiles.

  • Tourists bringing their own motor vehicles to the Philippines may use their car without registering, provided that they satisfy the following conditions:
    • The motor vehicles are used within ninety days of their sojourn: 

    • The motor vehicle displays the number plates for the current year of some other country or state,

    • The said number plates as well as the name and address (permanent and temporary) of the owner thereof are registered in the Land Transportation Commission prior to the operation of the motor vehicle. 

    • If the tourists remain in the Philippines longer than ninety days, the motor vehicle shall not be operated unless registered in the LTO and until the corresponding registration fees are paid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information, here are some common questions and answers related to the requirements for motor vehicle registrations:

1. Can I possibly change my motor vehicle plate number? 

No. The LTO doesn’t allow change of plate number. Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 43: An Act Providing Number Plates to Owners of Motor Vehicles and Trailers, Amending for the Purpose Section Seventeen of Republic Act Numbered Forty-One Hundred and Thirty-Six, specifically Section 1, Sec. 17, the identification and letters of any motor vehicle number plate shall be permanently assigned to such motor vehicle during its lifetime. The only acceptable change in plate assignment is when a change in denomination or classification is transacted/effected, i.e. from a private vehicle to for-hire or government to private, etc. 

2. How much is the LTO fine for a late motor vehicle registration? 

LTO imposes a weekly fine for late motor vehicle registration amounting to ₱ 200.00  And if the payment is delayed for a month, the fine shall become 50% of the MVUC. 

3. I want to buy a second hand motor vehicle. How can I be sure that the OR & CR are genuine? 

If you are buying a secondhand car, you must have both the Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official Receipt (OR) verified for its authenticity at the LTO Property Section, East Avenue, Quezon City. You may also verify the plate number by following the steps listed in this guide to LTO Plate Number Check. 

Summary

The motor vehicle registration at the LTO is one of the first things that needs to be done by any new car owner. It is a simple process but in case you need a little help in getting yourself prepared to register your motor vehicles, then this guide on the list of requirements for motor vehicle registration can help you. 

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