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Car safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Brake Failure, Tire Blowouts and Roadside Emergencies
A roadside emergency can take any driver by surprise. Here is what the Indiana Driver's Manual from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) says to do if a tire blows out, your brakes fail or you have to stop on the shoulder, plus how to spot carbon monoxide.
200 fttriangle behind your car
500 fton a hill or curve
No brakesduring a blowout until nearly stopped
Pumpthe pedal if brakes fail
The short answer
For a blowout, grip the wheel, keep straight, ease off the gas without braking, and brake only when nearly stopped. If brakes fail, downshift if you can, pump the pedal hard, try the parking brake while holding the release, and steer to a stop off the road. On the shoulder, use hazards and place a triangle 200 feet back (500 on a hill or curve).
If you have to stop on the roadside
The Indiana Driver's Manual says these guidelines, while not necessarily required by Indiana law, help you get back on the road and alert other motorists that you are managing a roadside emergency:
- If possible, always pull onto the roadside shoulder.
- Turn on your flashing hazard lights.
- Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries within reach of the driver.
- Store a reflective safety vest and a red emergency reflective triangle in your vehicle so passing drivers can see you.
- In winter, pack blankets, extra gloves and warm hats in case you must wait for emergency responders or a tow.
- If you must get out on a shoulder, exit on the passenger side, and only after checking for other vehicles, obstructions, or dangerous drop-offs or inclines.
| Location | Distance behind your vehicle |
|---|---|
| Standard placement | 200 feet |
| On a hill or curve | 500 feet |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026.
Tire blowout or sudden flat
- Hold the steering wheel firmly and keep the car going straight.
- Take your foot off the gas pedal, but do not apply the brakes.
- Let the car slow down gradually and pull off the road.
- Apply the brakes when the car is almost stopped.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026.
Brake failure
If your vehicle's conventional disc or drum brakes suddenly fail, the manual says to:
- Shift to a lower gear, if possible.
- Pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times; this may build up enough pressure to stop the vehicle.
- You may try the parking brake, but hold the brake release so you can release it to avoid skidding if the rear wheels lock.
- In a low gear, look for a place to stop off the roadway.
- After you stop, call for help, and do not try to drive anywhere.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026.
Do not turn the engine off while moving
The manual says drivers in an emergency on the highway should not try to turn off the vehicle while it is still moving. With a steering wheel interlock system, never turn the ignition to the lock position while the vehicle is in motion: the steering will lock as the wheel is turned, causing a loss of control.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026.
Carbon monoxide in the car
Carbon monoxide gas from a vehicle engine can harm or kill you or your passengers. The manual says it is most likely to leak into a vehicle when the heater is running, when the exhaust system is not working properly, or in heavy traffic where you breathe exhaust fumes from other vehicles. A faulty exhaust system can leak poisonous fumes into the back seat.
You cannot see, smell or taste carbon monoxide. Symptoms can include drowsiness or dizziness, a bluish tinge to your skin or lips, a headache and increased sensitivity to light.
Check the exhaust
Have your vehicle's exhaust system checked regularly, and be alert for any unusual roar from under the car.
Never in a closed garage
Never let your vehicle's engine run in a closed garage.
Manage the fresh-air vent
In congested traffic, close the fresh-air vent. On highways in cold weather, open it.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026.
Brake and tire checks at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Our technicians can inspect your brakes and tires, and the manual advises having your exhaust system checked regularly.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 10, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Roadside emergencies: FAQ
What should you do if a tire blows out while driving?
Hold the steering wheel firmly and keep going straight. Take your foot off the gas but do not brake. Let the car slow down, pull off the road, and brake only when the car is almost stopped.
What should you do if your brakes fail?
Shift to a lower gear if possible and pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times. You may try the parking brake while holding the release so you can let go if the rear wheels lock. Find a place to stop off the road, then call for help and do not drive anywhere.
How far behind my car should I put a warning triangle?
The Indiana Driver's Manual says 200 feet behind your vehicle, or 500 feet if you are on a hill or curve.
Which side should I exit my car on the shoulder?
The passenger side, and only after checking for other vehicles, obstructions, or dangerous drop-offs or inclines.
Should I turn the engine off if my car has a problem at speed?
No. The manual says not to turn off the vehicle while it is still moving, and never to turn the ignition to the lock position in motion, because the steering can lock.
What are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning in a car?
Drowsiness or dizziness, a bluish tinge to the skin or lips, a headache and increased sensitivity to light. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen, smelled or tasted.
More driving safety guides
See our guide to driving in snow, winter car care checklist and what to do if you hit a deer, or schedule service at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Roadside, tire blowout, brake failure, ignition and carbon monoxide guidance is from Chapter 8 of the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), read November 10, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations (PDF), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 10, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026