Can I Change a Spare Tire on the Highway Myself?
2 Answers
You can change a spare tire on the highway yourself, but you must move to the emergency stopping lane and set up a warning sign. Here are some precautions to take when changing a spare tire on the highway: 1. When parking: If your vehicle breaks down and you have to stop, immediately pull over to the right hard shoulder or emergency stopping lane, and turn on your hazard warning lights. If it's nighttime, don't forget to turn on your side marker lights and tail lights. 2. Setting up a warning sign: Set up a warning sign, commonly known as a triangle warning sign. It is usually stored in one of three places in the car: the trunk, the inside of the trunk lid, or under the trunk cover. Place the reflective side of the warning sign facing outward, walk in the direction of oncoming traffic, and place it 150 meters away in the corresponding lane. 3. Evacuation: Immediately move to the outside of the right guardrail and call the national highway emergency rescue number 12122 for assistance.
As an experienced driver who frequently uses highways, I find this topic extremely important. Changing a spare tire on the highway yourself? Absolutely not recommended—it's as risky as playing with your life. Highway speeds typically range from 80-120 km/h, and vehicles behind you simply can't brake in time, especially on curves or at night—the chance of a collision is terrifyingly high. I remember a road trip ten years ago when a friend's car had a flat tire and stopped on the shoulder to change it—they were nearly hit by a truck. Just thinking about it still gives me chills. The ideal approach is: after a flat tire, calmly drive to a safe spot like the shoulder or emergency stopping lane, turn on your hazard lights, place a warning triangle at least 50 meters away, and immediately call 122 or roadside assistance for help. While a spare tire is useful, exposing yourself to traffic while changing it is too dangerous—leave it to the professionals for safety. Make it a habit: check your spare tire's pressure and condition monthly to ensure it hasn't aged or leaked, saving you trouble in emergencies. Safety always comes first.
