How to Handle a Flat Tire on the Road?

[MacGabriela]

Methods for handling a flat tire on the road: The driver should firmly grip the steering wheel with both hands, avoid panicking and making sudden steering movements, and try to maintain the original driving trajectory. Use intermittent braking to gradually reduce the vehicle's speed. When the speed drops to 20 km/h or below, pull the car to the side of the road. After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, turn on the hazard warning lights to alert nearby vehicles. Check the rearview mirror to ensure there are no vehicles behind before getting out to inspect the tire. Quickly place a reflective triangle warning sign 150 meters behind the vehicle. Drivers with good mechanical skills can change the spare tire themselves or call for roadside assistance.

[NicoleMarie]

Last time my friend had a flat tire, he panicked and almost caused an accident! The correct procedure is actually quite specific. Grip the steering wheel firmly to maintain straight-line driving—don’t jerk the wheel. Gradually ease off the accelerator to let the car coast and slow down, and absolutely avoid slamming on the brakes. Once the speed drops below 60 km/h, gently apply the brakes, turn on the hazard lights, and find a safe spot to pull over. Remember, never stop on a curve or slope—choose a straight, flat section of road as far from the main lane as possible. After stopping, the first thing to do is get everyone out of the car and behind the guardrail, then place a warning triangle 150 meters behind the vehicle (or 50 meters on urban roads). Changing the spare tire yourself depends on your capability; if unsure, just wait for roadside assistance.

[VonMarley]

When chatting with experienced drivers, I found that everyone is most worried about tire blowouts on highways. Indeed, a sudden tire burst at high speed is terrifying, but keeping calm is more important. Pressing your knee against the bottom of the steering wheel can help maintain better control, while downshifting is the safest way to slow down. If the car suddenly veers, make small, quick steering corrections, but keep the adjustments within 5 degrees. Choosing where to stop is crucial—preferably the outermost part of the emergency lane. Many people get the distance for placing the warning triangle wrong; in rainy or foggy conditions, it should be placed 200 meters away for safety. Before changing a spare tire, remember to engage the handbrake and shift into Park (P), and placing rocks in front of and behind the wheels adds extra security.

[VanKimberly]

Dealing with a flat tire can be divided into three stages: during the control phase, firmly hold the steering wheel and avoid fighting the vehicle; during the parking phase, choose a straight and wide area away from traffic; during the safety phase, secure personnel and place warning signs. A common mistake beginners make is slamming on the brakes, which can cause the car to fishtail. In fact, using engine braking is the safest approach—downshift gradually for manual transmissions or switch to manual mode for automatics. When changing a tire, avoid wearing loose clothing to prevent getting caught under the car, and ensure the jack is aligned with the chassis groove. Spare tires often have speed restrictions, so do not exceed 80 km/h. When using a tow hook, remember to tie a red cloth to the steel cable to alert following vehicles.