Which of the following is a sign of tire blowout?

Answer: B — loud bang followed by a sudden loss of control of the vehicle

A tire blowout is a sudden and severe failure of a tire, which is often marked by a loud bang as the tire bursts. Following this, drivers typically experience an abrupt loss of control over the vehicle due to the rapid deflation of the tire, making it difficult to steer and maintain stability. This combination of a loud noise and immediate handling issues are hallmark signs of a tire blowout, alerting the driver to the need for swift and appropriate action to regain control. While vibrations in the steering wheel can indicate tire issues, they are not specific to a blowout and can result from other problems like misalignment or imbalance. Similarly, a sudden increase in speed is not characteristic of a tire blowout; rather, it could be dangerous speeding or other unrelated mechanical issues. Warning lights on the dashboard would typically indicate problems with the vehicle’s systems but are not direct indicators of a tire blowout. Thus, the correct answer reflects the unique and definitive signs that indicate an immediate and critical situation necessitated by a tire blowout.