Can You Change a Tire on the Highway Yourself?
3 Answers
It is not recommended to change a tire yourself. If you absolutely must do so, ensure it is done under safe conditions without obstructing other vehicles. When changing a tire on the highway, proper warning signals must be set up to avoid secondary accidents. Additionally, the driver should be familiar with the method of replacing a spare tire, as improper tire changes on the highway can result in penalties or fines. Important points to note after a tire blowout on the highway: 1. Maintain control of the steering: Whether it's a front or rear tire blowout, the driver's first priority is to control the steering while turning on the hazard lights. Once the speed is reduced, safely pull over to the emergency lane. Avoid sudden steering movements after a blowout, as this can lead to skidding or even rollovers at high speeds. 2. Set up a warning triangle: Due to high-speed traffic, hazard lights alone may not be sufficient. Place a triangular warning sign 150 meters behind the vehicle to alert oncoming traffic. If available, wear a reflective vest before inspecting or changing the tire. 3. Control your speed: After completing the preparations, promptly replace the spare tire and move the vehicle from the emergency lane. When using a spare tire, maintain a controlled speed due to its limitations.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have experienced several tire blowouts on highways. I absolutely don't recommend changing tires yourself. On highways, cars move fast, noise levels are high, and it's easy to misjudge distances. The slightest lapse in attention could lead to being hit by a car from behind—the risk is too great. I've seen a friend get injured and hospitalized after an accident while changing a tire on the emergency lane. The truly safe steps are: first, stabilize the car and slow down, then pull over to the emergency lane, turn on the hazard lights, and place a warning triangle 150 meters away. After that, turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and stay inside the car while calling for roadside assistance or dialing 12122 for help—don’t risk doing it yourself. Regularly check the spare tire’s pressure and ensure tools are ready to avoid last-minute panic. Remember, safe driving comes first—a blown tire is no small matter. Letting professionals handle it is more reliable, protecting both yourself and others from unnecessary risks.
Last time my car had a sudden tire blowout on the highway, which really scared me. As an ordinary driver, I know how to handle emergencies: immediately pull over to a safe area, turn on the hazard lights, and place a warning sign to ensure visibility for following vehicles. Then, use your phone to call for roadside assistance—don’t attempt to change it yourself. On highways, with cars speeding by, standing to remove lug nuts or jack up the car is dangerous and can easily lead to distracted accidents. It’s best to practice changing tires on non-highway roadsides or in parking lots to familiarize yourself with the tools. However, the reality is that spare tires are mostly temporary—they can’t handle high speeds, and you’ll still need to find a repair shop to fix the flat. I recommend checking tire conditions before driving and keeping an emergency kit in the car with reflective vests and an air pump. The key is to stay calm: prioritize seeking help in case of a blowout—it’s both convenient and reassuring.
