Can You Change a Flat Tire on the Highway Yourself?
3 Answers
You can change a tire on the highway, but it is not recommended to do it yourself. If you absolutely must change the tire, make sure to do so under safe conditions and without affecting other vehicles. If your car has a flat tire on the highway, stay calm and use engine braking to let the car glide slowly, also known as manual gear shifting. Do not suddenly release the accelerator pedal; instead, gradually ease off the throttle, as a flat tire causes strong deceleration. Avoid stepping on the brake pedal, as this can further destabilize the car, leading to skidding or rollover accidents. Hold the steering wheel firmly to maintain control and avoid sudden turns. You can use intermittent braking by rhythmically pressing and releasing the brake pedal. After pulling over to the emergency lane, turn on your hazard lights and place the triangular warning sign 150 meters behind your car on the approaching lane. Never change a tire on the main highway lanes, as this can easily cause secondary accidents and may result in fines or penalty points if caught by traffic police. To prevent flat tires on the highway, check your tire pressure before departure to ensure it is within the normal range. Adjust if necessary before entering the highway. Also, inspect the tires for any damage, especially sidewall cuts or bulges. Check the tread wear—if the tread is worn down to the wear indicator, replace the tire promptly to avoid the risk of a flat tire on the highway.
I've driven on highways for many years and have dealt with tire blowouts a few times. At high speeds, changing a tire yourself is extremely risky. The first thing to do is turn on your hazard lights and slowly move the car to the emergency lane—never stop in the middle of a driving lane. After stopping, set up a warning triangle at least 150 meters behind the car, then stay inside with the doors locked. Immediately call highway rescue services or contact your insurance company for a tow truck. If you attempt to change the tire yourself, you’ll be exposed on the shoulder, and if a vehicle behind you loses control, it could be disastrous. I recommend checking tire pressure and wear before every trip and keeping tools only as a last resort. On the highway, safety is a hundred times more important than saving time. Don’t take risks—wait patiently for professionals to assist.
From the perspective of driving safety, you must never change a tire yourself on the highway. With speeds exceeding 100km/h, stopping to change a tire makes you an easy target for collisions, especially in low visibility or at night when the risk is even higher. The correct procedure is to turn on the hazard warning lights, calmly slow down and move to the emergency lane, set up a warning sign, and then stay inside the vehicle to wait for assistance. Attempting to change the tire yourself could trigger a chain reaction of accidents and even endanger others. Develop good habits by checking tire pressure and cracks monthly to prevent blowouts. I also recommend keeping a reflective vest and an emergency kit in the car to enhance safety. Safe travel is a serious matter—never overlook these details to save money or time.
