How to Deal with a Flat Tire?
2 Answers
When a car tire is flat, the first step is to stop the vehicle and replace it with the spare tire in time. If there is no spare tire or you are unable to change it, and the leak is not very severe, control your speed and drive at a low speed to the nearest gas station or repair shop for assistance. Whether you can continue driving with a flat tire depends on the severity of the leak. If you notice a flat tire, first turn on the hazard lights, pull over to the side, and check it. If you have an air pump in the car, you can try inflating it a little. If the tire is leaking slowly and there are no tire repair tools or an air pump in the car, you can drive slowly to an auto repair shop for inspection. If the leak is not severe, you can drive slowly to the auto repair shop.
When encountering a flat tire, my first reaction is to ensure the safety of myself and others. Immediately turn on the hazard lights and slowly pull over to the side of the road, avoiding any operations on main roads or highways. After stopping, get out of the car to check if there are obvious punctures or cuts on the tire. If there's a small hole, you can temporarily use a tire repair kit or an air pump for an emergency fix, inflate the tire to the proper pressure, and drive to the nearest repair shop. If that's not possible or the damage is severe, quickly change to the spare tire—remember to lift the car in a safe location and follow the steps in the manual. If you don’t have a spare tire, don’t force driving; call for roadside assistance. Throughout the process, set up a warning triangle, especially at night or in rainy conditions, to prevent secondary accidents. Develop good habits, such as checking tire pressure monthly and inspecting tread wear regularly, to reduce sudden risks. I’ve also heard that carrying a portable air pump in remote areas with no signal can be a lifesaver. In short, staying calm is key—don’t compromise safety for the sake of saving time.