Goodyear's Driving Tips: What to do Instead of Spinning your Tires

03/29/96

Goodyear published some driving tips aimed at helping consumers who get stuck on slick surfaces, and topping the list is a warning against spinning your tires. Goodyear explains that a rapidly spinning tire can simply explode: forces created when a tire spins affect the whole tire structure and can rupture the entire casing. Some vehicles are capable of bringing a tire to the failing point in 3 to 5 Seconds.

So, what should you do when you get stuck on ice, snow, mud, or wet grass? Goodyear's tire experts suggest rocking your vehicle gently back and forth by shifting from drive to reverse (automatic) or from second to reverse (standard). If that doesn't work, they say to get a tow.

Here's what the company says:

Avoid tire spinning. Never exceed the 35 mph point indicated on the speedometer. Do not allow anyone to stand near or directly ahead or behind, the spinning tire.

Tire explosions can cause death, personal injury, or property damage. Excessive speed in a free-running tire can cause it to explode from extreme centrifugal force.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel