What to Do When a Car Tire Goes Flat?
3 Answers
If a tire goes flat and the vehicle has a spare tire, you can replace it and drive to a repair shop. If there is no spare tire, you can consider taking the flat tire to a repair shop for patching or calling a tow truck. Alternatively, you can call a mobile tire repair service. Below is relevant information: 1. Do Not Drive: A flat tire indicates low tire pressure, which increases the movement of various parts of the tire. Excessive rolling can cause abnormal heat buildup, reducing the performance of the tire's internal cords and rubber, leading to rubber delamination or cord breakage, excessive friction with the rim, and damage to the tire bead and abnormal wear. 2. Low Tire Pressure: Low tire pressure significantly increases friction between the tire and the ground, causing the tire temperature to rise sharply, the tire to soften, and its strength to decrease. Continuing to drive may risk a tire blowout.
A flat tire can be quite alarming. I remember the first time I encountered one, I nearly panicked. The most important thing is to pull over immediately, preferably to a flat and safe spot, turn on the hazard lights, and place the reflective warning triangle far enough to ensure visibility for oncoming traffic. Then, get out and check the tire condition: if it's just a slow leak, using the car's air pump to temporarily inflate it might get you to a repair shop; if it's completely flat or blown out, you'll need to prepare to change the spare tire. Before you start, don’t rush—take out the spare tire and toolkit, and when using the jack to lift the car frame, make sure to position it correctly to avoid damaging the chassis. Remove the bolts in a diagonal sequence and tighten them properly to prevent misalignment. Beginners should check mobile tutorials or call for roadside assistance. While driving, always pay attention to the tire pressure monitoring system and avoid potholes to prevent punctures. Although a slow leak might seem minor, delaying repairs can lead to wheel rim deformation, resulting in higher costs.
A flat tire is just a flat tire, seen plenty of these situations after driving for so long. Immediately pull over safely to the roadside, turn on hazard lights, and set up the warning triangle. Then check the tire condition: if there's still some air left, use a pump to inflate it as an emergency measure; if it's completely blown out, you'll have to change to the spare. Move swiftly—jack up the car steadily from underneath, avoid shaking it to prevent imbalance; loosen the bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern, and after mounting the spare, tighten them moderately before driving to the repair shop. Don’t overuse the spare tire—speeds over 60 km/h can damage the suspension. It’s recommended to get an annual tire check and top up air pressure. Avoid road debris and potholes to minimize puncture risks. With enough practice, handling such repairs becomes second nature for safety.
