What to Do If a Tire Goes Flat on the Road?
3 Answers
If the vehicle has a spare tire, pull over and check whether there is an issue with the tire. If you notice a nail puncturing the tire, first test whether it is losing air. Then, take the punctured tire to an auto repair shop. Driving with the nail may cause it to penetrate deeper, potentially fully puncturing the tire. If there is no spare tire, either call a familiar auto repair shop to send a mechanic or contact your insurance company to request towing services.
Stay calm when dealing with a flat tire on the road. I've had a few experiences—whenever I notice something wrong, I first slow down and pull over to a safe spot, like the emergency lane or roadside. Avoid stopping on curves or slopes; it's dangerous. Turn on the hazard lights and place a triangular warning sign at least 50 meters behind the car so others can see it from afar and slow down. Don’t stand in the traffic lane; safety comes first. Check if the spare tire is usable and has sufficient pressure; if there’s no spare or it’s severely damaged, it’s best not to move recklessly. Then try changing the spare: use the jack to lift the car, aligning it with the chassis support point (don’t get it wrong), remove the lug nuts from the flat tire, install the new tire, tighten them, and slowly lower the car. Afterward, drive slowly to a repair shop for inspection to avoid issues with an old spare. Check tire pressure weekly—don’t wait for a blowout to regret it. Before long trips, keep an air pump handy for convenience. Safe habits can save lives, and developing a good inspection routine makes things much easier.
If you encounter a flat tire, don't panic—I learned this lesson early as a novice. Once, while driving in the city, I heard a sudden 'pop' and the tire went flat. I immediately signaled, pulled over to the hard shoulder, and stopped. Turned on the hazard lights and placed the warning triangle 30 meters behind the car for safety. Back when I didn't know how to change a tire, I'd just pull out my phone and call roadside assistance via an app or contact my insurer—waiting for help was quicker. Now, I can manage it myself: dig out the jack and wrench from the trunk, locate the proper jacking point on the frame, loosen the lug nuts, and swap the tire (even with limited strength). The key is checking the spare tire's condition—make sure it's not expired or leaking. Also, always carry a car charger or power bank to call for help anytime. For prevention, check tire pressure monthly, especially before highway trips, to avoid being stranded. Take it easy—basic skills always come in handy.
