How to Deal with a Flat Tire on a Car?
4 Answers
When you notice a flat tire while driving, turn on the hazard lights and pull over to the side of the road to replace the spare tire. After replacing the spare tire, control your speed and do not exceed 80 km/h. Find a tire shop to repair the flat tire before reinstalling it, as the spare tire is not meant for long-term use. Below are the steps for replacing a tire: 1. Park the car, turn off the engine, and engage the handbrake; 2. Place heavy objects in front of and behind the wheels to prevent rolling, and set up a triangular warning sign behind the car; 3. Use a wrench to loosen the lug nuts of the tire to be replaced in a diagonal pattern; 4. Position the jack on the side of the car where the tire needs to be replaced and lift the vehicle to a certain height; 5. Remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire; 6. Install the spare tire or a new tire and tighten the lug nuts in a diagonal pattern; 7. Lower the vehicle by releasing the jack and ensure the lug nuts are securely tightened.
Don't panic when you have a flat tire. First, find a safe place to pull over—never stop abruptly on the highway. Once, while on a business trip, my right front tire suddenly deflated. I immediately turned on the hazard lights and, after coming to a complete stop, checked the ground for nails or sharp objects. If you find a small puncture, try using a temporary repair sealant or the spare tire—I always keep a portable air pump in the trunk, so reinflating and getting back on the road is quick. For serious cases, call a tow truck or head to a repair shop right away. Regularly monitor tire pressure and conduct inspections to minimize risks. Remember, safety comes first—don’t push through driving with a flat, as it can damage the rims or cause accidents. Seasoned drivers should make it a habit to check tire pressure, especially in winter when road debris is common. The most frequent causes of leaks are punctures from nails or aging valve stems.
The top priority when encountering a flat tire is ensuring personal safety. I recently experienced a rear tire puncture during a family trip, immediately slowed down and pulled over to the right, then turned on the hazard lights. With the kids fidgeting in the car, I calmly reminded them to keep their seatbelts fastened and not exit the vehicle. Using a tire pressure gauge, I found extremely low pressure, likely due to inner tube damage or a loose valve stem. Fortunately, I had a spare tire and spent ten minutes replacing it, then drove smoothly to a service area for repairs. I recommend keeping a compact tire repair kit in your car, including an air pump and tire repair strips, and practicing tire-changing skills regularly to avoid panic. Before long trips, check tire wear conditions - prevention is better than cure. Safety is no trivial matter, never take it lightly.
Got a flat tire? No big deal, I often DIY fixes myself. First, park and turn off the engine, then inspect the tire surface—is there a nail stuck in it? Pull it out and spray some soapy water to check for leaks. Carry a portable tire repair kit, like those plug-style rubber strips, just insert it, inflate, and you're done in minutes. Don't forget to keep a portable air pump handy for regular top-ups. I've saved hundreds in repair costs by fixing flats myself during trips. Regularly monitor tire pressure—too low or too high can cause leaks—get a digital pressure gauge and check monthly. Aging rims can also cause slow leaks, and DIY repairs are a great way to learn new skills.
