Getting a flat tyre is not just an inconvenience but also a safety issue when you are on a busy highway
There are many cases where motorists changing a tire on the highway have been hit by cars travelling at speed.
In order not to be a victim, it is important to know the huge risks when changing a tyre on a busy road.
After encountering a flat tire on the road, the first step you should take is to find a safe location to pull over.
Look for a flat, straight stretch of road with a wide shoulder where you can park your vehicle safely away from traffic.
Avoid stopping on a curve or a hill if possible, as it can be dangerous for both you and passing vehicles.
Driving a short distance on a flat tire for a short period is fine to get yourself onto safe grounds rather than stop in traffic. Don’t be tempted to slam the brakes on as this could cause you to lose control, so try to slow down in a controlled way.
Do not drive yourself home or to the nearest tyre shop since you will cause damage to the car and risk your life.
Once you have managed to move to a safe place on the side of the highway, turn on your hazard lights immediately, so that other vehicles can clearly see you and know that you have a problem.
It is good to have a reflective jacket, a torch and something to kneel on when carrying out a tyre change
Then, find out whether the tyre can be mended or if a spare tyre has to be put in.
Apart from the spare wheel, you will need a wrench – for removing the wheel nuts, a jack – for lifting the car off the ground and wheel chock – to stop the car from rolling when jacked up (bricks can be used instead).
You will also need wheel nut key – if locking nuts are fitted and car handbook for reference.
Once the car’s jacked up, you can undo the wheel or bolts and take the wheel off.
Remove the punctured tyre by removing the lug nuts with a lug wrench. You will need to examine the tyre. Look for any damage or punctures that may be patched with the tyre repair kit.
When the wheel with the puncture's off, you can put on your spare wheel. Remove the jack and put all your tools back in their proper place in your car.
It is important to check your replacement tyre regularly to make sure it’s fully inflated and in good working order.
