Can I Change a Flat Tire on the Highway by Myself?
3 Answers
It is strongly recommended not to change a tire on the highway without any warning signs or safety measures. The emergency lane on the highway has a width of 2.5 meters, which does not provide sufficient space for changing a spare tire. The typical width of a small car ranges from 1.6 to 1.8 meters, leaving only 90 to 70 centimeters of space for changing the tire even without accounting for extra lateral space. Below is additional information: Precautions for driving on the highway include: checking for potential hazards before getting in the car; staying focused while driving; avoiding fatigue driving; maintaining a safe speed; reporting early and updating late; being cautious when driving at night; and handling a flat tire correctly. According to China's Road Traffic Safety Law, road traffic safety work must adhere to the principles of lawful management and convenience for the public, ensuring orderly and safe road traffic.
I have plenty of experience with this. Last year on the Shanghai-Kunming Expressway, I encountered a similar situation. Suddenly, my car started shaking violently, and the dashboard warning lights were flashing alarmingly. Honestly, changing a spare tire on the expressway is not recommended. With vehicles speeding at over 100 km/h, the wind from passing trucks in the adjacent lane could easily knock you over. The emergency lane is narrow, and when bending down to remove the tire, your back is just over a meter away from the fast-moving traffic—it's terrifying to think about. What's worse, the jack can easily slip. A friend of mine once had his car fall off the jack and crush his foot. In the end, I turned on my hazard lights, slowly coasted to the nearest service area, and handled it there. If you must change a tire, it has to be under conditions where you can completely move off the lane, set up a warning triangle 150 meters away, and wear a reflective vest—these preparations are absolutely essential.
As a freight driver with twenty years of experience, my advice is to never attempt changing a tire yourself. On highways, vehicles move at high speeds with poor visibility, and drivers behind you won't have enough time to react. The emergency lane may seem safe, but it's actually full of hidden dangers. Last year, a fellow driver was changing a tire crouched down when an out-of-control car hit him directly. Moreover, when you're crouching to loosen the bolts, your attention is entirely on the wheel hub, making it impossible to notice approaching dangers. More importantly, the spare tire of a regular car can't handle highway speeds—those thin little tires can barely manage 80 km/h, and if the next exit is far away, it's even more dangerous. When I experience a flat tire, I immediately steady the steering, gently apply the brakes, turn on the hazard lights, and move to the emergency lane. Once the car is safely stopped, I get out immediately, climb over the guardrail, and call 12122 to wait for a tow truck—that's the safest approach.
