What to Do When a Tire Gets a Flat on the Highway?
3 Answers
Drive away from the traffic lane, pull over to the shoulder or emergency parking strip, and seek help from traffic police If the tire damage is not severe, you can drive along the emergency parking strip to the nearest service area and complete the tire repair or replacement there
That day while driving on the highway, I suddenly felt the steering wheel shaking and knew a tire was leaking. I quickly stayed calm, firmly holding the steering wheel without letting go. Gradually eased off the accelerator to slow down—absolutely no sudden braking to avoid losing control. Turned on the hazard lights to warn vehicles behind and tried to move to the emergency lane to stop. After stopping safely, turned off the engine, put on a reflective vest, and placed a warning triangle 150 meters away from the car. Checked the tire—if it was just a slow leak, I could carefully drive to the service area; but if it was severe, I’d need to change to the spare tire or call for help. Remember, changing a tire at high speed is risky—it’s best to call 12122 or AAA for assistance. Safety first—don’t rush. Regular checks on tire pressure and wear can prevent such issues, and extra caution is needed in rain or fog to avoid skidding.
Last time I was on a long-distance highway trip, my tire suddenly went flat, which gave me a scare. But I remembered what I had learned: the first step is to firmly grip the steering wheel, slow down, and steadily steer to the side of the road. Avoid stopping in traffic; once in the emergency lane, turn on the hazard lights, get out, and place a warning triangle. Attempt to change the spare tire yourself, but be quick and precise with all tools ready. If not confident, call a tow truck or contact a friend for help. Reflecting afterward, the key steps were staying calm and not panicking. As soon as the car starts, observe for any tire abnormalities. Keeping a tire pressure gauge in the glove box makes it easy to check, and regular maintenance can help detect issues early. Highways are full of unexpected situations, so preparing an emergency kit is better for any contingency.
