1998 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 212

If a Tire Goes Flat It's unusual for a tire to "blow out" while you're driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a "blowout," here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to a stop well out of the traffic lane. A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a skid and mayrequire the same correction you'd use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by steering the way youwant the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and noisy, but youcan still steer. Gently brake to a stop -- well off the road if possible. 5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is tight. Check the level in the surge tank when the cooling system has cooled down. If the coolant isn't at the proper level, repeat Steps 1 to 3 and reinstall the pressure cap orsee your retailer. If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely. 5-24