How to Deal with a Flat Car Tire?
3 Answers
When you notice a flat tire, the first step is to stop the car and replace it with the spare tire promptly. If you don't have a spare tire or are unable to change it, and the leak is not severe, control your speed and drive slowly to the nearest gas station or repair shop for assistance. Here are some precautions for dealing with a flat tire: 1. Whether you can continue driving with a flat tire depends on the severity of the leak. If you notice a flat tire, turn on your hazard lights, pull over, and check the tire. 2. If you have an air pump in the car, try inflating the tire slightly first. If the leak is slow and you don't have any tire repair tools or an air pump, drive slowly to an auto repair shop for inspection.
When I noticed a flat tire, I immediately found a safe place to pull over, such as the roadside or a parking lot, turned off the engine, and engaged the handbrake to prevent wheel rim deformation or further tire damage. Then, I got out of the car to inspect the tire for obvious nails or scratches, kicking it lightly to listen for the sound of air leakage to confirm. If I had a spare tire, I would change it myself: first loosening the wheel bolts, using a jack to lift the car, replacing the spare tire, and then tightening the bolts. However, a spare tire is only suitable for short-distance, low-speed driving, so I would need to visit a tire shop as soon as possible for a repair or replacement. Without a spare, I would call for roadside assistance rather than pushing my luck. Regularly checking the tire pressure gauge before each drive helps prevent flats, saving money, hassle, and ensuring safety. Flat tires are often caused by punctures from nails or aging valve cores, so regular maintenance can prevent such issues.
I've repaired quite a few cars. When a tire is leaking, first use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure. If the pressure drop exceeds 20%, you can locate the leak yourself. Spray soapy water on the tread, and bubbles will appear at the leak point, which might be caused by small stones or nails. Simple issues like a loose valve core can be fixed by tightening it; small holes can be temporarily patched using a tire repair kit—clean the leak spot, apply glue, and stick on the patch. Alternatively, use a portable inflator to pump the tire to standard pressure and drive to a repair shop to avoid delays on the highway. After patching, it's best to have the shop perform an internal inspection to ensure durability. Monitor tire pressure and wear weekly—this reduces surprises, especially during seasonal changes when pressure tends to fluctuate. The maintenance cost is low but saves major trouble.
