What to Do When a Car Tire Gets Punctured on the Road?
4 Answers
Here are the solutions when a car tire gets punctured on the road: 1. Pour some water on the tire to check for bubbles at the punctured spot, which indicates air leakage. In this case, you can replace it with the spare tire first. 2. If there is no spare tire available, call your insurance company to request towing service. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on metal rims, designed to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, maintain contact with the road surface, and ensure driving performance. They often operate under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and extreme temperatures during driving. Therefore, tires must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and shock absorption capabilities.
If a tire blows out, stay calm immediately. Every time I drive, I remind myself not to panic in emergencies. First, gradually release the accelerator—avoid slamming the brakes to prevent losing control—and slowly coast the car to the roadside or emergency stopping lane, then turn on the hazard warning lights. Before exiting the vehicle, ensure the surroundings are safe, put on a reflective vest, and place a triangular warning sign 50 to 100 meters behind the car. Inspect the damaged tire's position. If the spare tire and tools are complete and the location is safe, you can change the tire yourself: engage the handbrake, use the jack to lift the car frame, then remove the bolts, replace the tire, and tighten them. However, if conditions are unsafe or you lack experience, call roadside assistance immediately—don’t take risks. I always recommend regularly checking tire pressure and wear to avoid overlooking these details before long trips. In hot weather, tires are prone to blowouts; after parking, feel the tire temperature—if it exceeds 50°C, be cautious. Also, check the spare tire’s pressure every six months to reduce unexpected risks. (At least 160 words.)
Last year I experienced a tire blowout on the suburban highway, which gave me quite a scare. I immediately turned on the right turn signal and slowly coasted to the emergency lane with hazard lights on. The first thing I did after getting out was to set up a warning triangle to prevent rear-end collisions. The spare tire in my trunk had aged over two years and was unusable, so I had to call for roadside assistance, which cost me some money. Since then, I've developed the habit of checking tire pressure and tread depth monthly, ensuring the spare tire is properly inflated. Blowouts are often caused by sharp objects or high temperatures, so avoid prolonged high-speed driving in summer. When changing a tire yourself, remember to operate on level ground for safety—never on a slope. Always keep a toolkit with a wrench and jack handy, and apply even force when loosening lug nuts to avoid stripping them. This way, you can resolve the issue quickly without delay.
Changing a spare tire is an essential skill, and I've been doing it since childhood. Park the car securely and engage the handbrake. Retrieve the tools: use a wrench to loosen the bolts, and jack up the car frame without overloading it. Remove the old tire and install the new spare, ensuring to tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to avoid deformation. Once done, drive slowly to a nearby shop to check tire balance and wheel alignment. Don’t forget that spare tires have an expiration date and need replacement when expired. Practice regularly to stay prepared for emergencies without panic.
