Can I change a flat tire myself on the highway?
3 Answers
You can change the tire yourself, but you need to follow the regulations. The vehicle must be parked on the emergency lane, and warning signs should be placed as required. If a vehicle stops on the highway lane without reason, or if the vehicle can be moved but is not moved to the emergency lane or emergency parking strip when it breaks down, or if the vehicle cannot be moved but warning signs are not placed as required, it will be considered illegal parking. The methods for handling a flat tire on the highway are as follows: 1. Stay calm: If your car has a flat tire on the highway, stay calm and use engine braking to keep the car moving slowly, i.e., manual gear shifting. 2. Gradually release the accelerator: Do not suddenly take your foot off the accelerator; instead, release it slowly and gradually because the deceleration from a flat tire is very strong. 3. Do not step on the brake pedal: This could further destabilize the car, leading to a spin or rollover accident. 4. Do not jerk the steering wheel: Hold the steering wheel firmly to maintain control and avoid sudden movements. You can use intermittent braking, pressing and releasing the brake pedal rhythmically.
I think changing a tire on the highway is purely suicidal. Having driven for decades and experienced several blowouts, I deeply understand that safety comes first. On the highway, speeds are too high, often exceeding 120 km/h. If you stop to change a tire, the driver behind might be distracted or fail to notice, leading to a direct collision—that’s no small matter. After a blowout, the first priority is to steady the steering wheel without sudden turns, gradually slow down, and move into the emergency lane. Immediately turn on the hazard lights and place a warning triangle at least 150 meters away. The best course of action is to stay locked inside the car and wait for professional help by calling the 122 road rescue hotline. Even if you have all the tools—spare tire and jack—it’s something to be done at low speeds or in a parking lot. The uncontrollable risks on the highway are too high. I’ve made it a habit to check tire pressure and wear every weekend to prevent blowouts, as prevention is better than cure. Remember one thing: don’t risk your life to save a few minutes. The rescue team can arrive in minutes—why take the risk?
As a novice driver, I now realize how terrifying changing a tire on the highway can be. Back in driving school, changing a tire seemed simple and easy. But on the highway, with dense traffic and high speeds, stopping to operate makes you vulnerable to rear-end collisions, especially during foggy or rainy weather when visibility is poor, increasing the risk significantly. If you have a flat tire, stay calm, control the steering wheel, avoid slamming the brakes, and slowly pull over to the right shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights and place the warning triangle. Personal safety is the top priority. While the spare tire and tools are in the car, the tire-changing process can take over 10 minutes, and crouching there during that time is too dangerous—it's better to wait for assistance by calling 122 or using a mobile app for quick response. Practice more in safe places like parking lots near home to build experience, but never push your limits on the highway. Regular tire checks and maintenance can reduce problems, but when trouble arises, seeking help is the safest option.
