What to Do When a Tire Goes Flat on the Highway?
3 Answers
Pull over to the emergency lane, place the warning triangle 150 meters behind your vehicle, and then replace the flat tire with the spare. Relevant instructions are as follows: 1. Water Test: If you suddenly notice a flat tire, you can drip water onto the valve stem to check for leaks. If bubbles appear, it indicates a leak; if not, the tire may be punctured. 2. Tire Pressure Gauge: Always keep a tire pressure gauge in your car. When the tire pressure warning light comes on, immediately stop in a safe area or drive to a safe location to check the tire pressure, especially on highways. Inspect the tread for wear. If it's a normal leak, inflate the tire safely and drive to the nearest repair shop to have the tire lifted and inspected.
I was driving on the highway when my tire suddenly went flat, which was quite nerve-wracking. I immediately eased off the accelerator and avoided slamming on the brakes, gradually slowing down to pull over to the far-right emergency lane. After turning on the hazard lights to ensure safety, I got out of the car and placed the triangular warning sign at least 150 meters behind the vehicle to alert other drivers. Changing to a spare tire requires a tool kit, but if traffic is heavy or you lack experience, it’s best to call for roadside assistance directly—don’t take the risk since highway speeds are too fast and dangerous. After this incident, I realized the importance of regularly checking tire pressure and the condition of the spare tire. Inspecting the tires weekly can reduce the risk of blowouts, as safety should always come first.
As someone who has driven for decades, I have experience dealing with tire blowouts on the highway: first, stay calm and steady the steering wheel, avoid jerking the wheel or slamming on the brakes, gradually slow down and move to the shoulder to stop and turn on the hazard lights. Before getting out of the car, check the rearview mirror for safety, then place a warning sign more than a hundred meters away. Take out the jack and tools, loosen the bolts, lift the car, and change the tire, but remember to ensure the spare tire has sufficient pressure and don’t drive over 80 km/h. The highway is not a repair shop; calling for roadside assistance is often easier and safer than trying to handle it yourself. Regular maintenance of the car, including checking the spare tire and tools, is an essential preventive measure.
