How to handle a flat tire on the road
Not all trips go smoothly, there are technical problems with the vehicle on the road, one of the most common problems is tire failure, especially in the context of increasingly rampant "nail thieves".
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1. Drive slowly
Do not attempt to drive faster than 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) on a flat tire. Driving too fast can cause permanent damage to the wheel if your tire is flat. Stay calm and drive slowly until you find a place to change the tire.
Driving at high speeds will damage your tires faster. If you drive at high speeds without protection from bumps or debris on the road, your tires will wear out faster.
If you are going downhill, let the car go down gently by inertia combined with the brake pedal.
2. Drive on flat roads
Stay away from rough, rocky roads. Poor road surfaces can warp your rims.
You should also be careful of roads that are sandy, rutted, or prone to getting stuck. Asphalt roads, parking lots, or highways are good roads to drive on with a flat tire.
3. Going straight is the best option
You should avoid winding roads while looking for a place to change your tire. Instead, go slow, straight and turn gently. Prefer straight roads to travel.
While driving, you need to remember:
- Keep your wheels running smoothly to keep your wheels rotated evenly. However, don't overdo it as this will hinder your steering.
- Turning quickly and sharply can put stress on your rims. This will cause your rims to wear out faster.
4. Park in a safe place
If you have pulled off the main road and parked in a less populated area, stop the car. Make sure the car is completely stopped, apply the handbrake and turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers that you are having trouble. Park on a level surface in case your car is on a jack.
Do not get out of the car without knowing the traffic conditions on the road.
5. Don't drive too far with a flat tire.
Do not attempt to drive a long distance with a flat tire, even if it is not completely flat. You may have to drive a long distance to find a tire repair shop, but try to park in a safe place. If you cannot find a repair shop, call for roadside assistance.
Make sure you are safe before you think about repairing your car.
To be more careful, you should buy a mini air compressor to inflate the tires. This machine is quite compact, helping you to quickly inflate the tires before taking the car to the repair shop.
