How to Deal with a Flat Tire?

[NolanDella]

Here are some methods to handle a flat tire: 1. Method 1: Due to uneven road surfaces, thermal expansion and contraction, or wheel rim deformation, there may be gaps between the tire and the rim, leading to air leakage. You can sprinkle water at the connection between the tire and the rim; if bubbles appear, it indicates poor sealing. 2. Method 2: If the car encounters sharp objects while driving, they may puncture the tire. You can sprinkle water on the tire surface to check for bubbles, which indicate air leakage. 3. Method 3: The tire may have scraped against a curb, causing damage to the sidewall. This can usually be observed visually. 4. Method 4: During tire installation, operational errors may damage the inner edge of the tire, causing it to not fit tightly. In this case, you can remove the tire for inspection.

[McRemington]

When I find a tire is leaking, I immediately slow down and pull over to a safe spot, turning on the hazard lights to warn other drivers. Then, I take out a tire pressure gauge to check the extent of the leak. If it's a slow leak, I use a portable inflator to pump air back to the normal tire pressure for a temporary fix. If the leak is fast or the hole is large, I replace it with the spare tire as an emergency measure. Throughout the process, I ensure the ground is level and use a jack to stabilize the car body to prevent shaking. Once done, I don’t delay and drive straight to the nearest repair shop for a professional inspection—it could be a nail puncture or a valve core issue, and a simple tire patch usually costs just a few dozen yuan. I remind myself to check tire pressure regularly, at least once a month in summer, avoid overloading to prevent tire cracks, and develop good habits to save a lot of trouble.

[JadeLynn]

As someone who has driven for ten years, I know that staying calm is crucial when encountering a flat tire, and safely pulling over is the priority. Once stopped, quickly inspect the tire surface for leaks. Small punctures can be temporarily fixed with an emergency tire plug, or you can directly switch to the spare tire. After installing the spare, avoid speeding—keep it under 80 km/h until reaching a repair shop. Mechanics often recommend a thorough inspection to identify the cause of the leak, such as inner liner damage or rim deformation, to prevent recurrence. I’ve developed a habit: checking tire tread wear every time I refuel and maintaining standard tire pressure (2.3-2.5 bar) to reduce blowout risks. Investing in a small portable air pump for the car is also very practical.

[LillianaLynn]

When the tire leaks, I immediately pull over to a safe area and turn on the hazard lights to prevent rear-end collisions. Keeping a portable tire pressure monitor in the car helps quickly assess the size of the leak. If it's a minor leak, I inflate the tire and drive to a repair shop for a patch. For a major leak, I must replace it with the spare tire securely. Don’t delay driving to the repair shop, and always stay alert to road conditions, especially avoiding sudden braking on highways. I check my tire pressure every two weeks using free gas station tools. New cars with tire pressure warning systems are a real convenience, enabling quick responses to avoid major issues.