You just got a puncture and, what's more, you can't safely pull over to change the tire? Fortunately, it is usually possible to travel a few hundred meters even with a tire in very bad condition. It is not recommended to drive with a punctured tire, as you risk permanent damage to the wheels, but there are cases where you have no choice. In these situations it is important to remember to go slowly, only drive on smooth, flat roads and stop in a safe place as soon as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Driving with a flat tire
Step 1. Drive slowly
Try not to exceed 25-30km / h if you have a flat tire. Driving at higher speeds can cause irreparable damage to the metal rim under the tire and even lead to loss of control of the vehicle. Press the accelerator lightly or, if possible, coast until you find a place where you can pull over.
- Traveling at high speeds the wheels will be damaged more quickly, because they will be subjected to greater force, without the protection of the rubber from holes and debris.
- If you are going downhill, let the car advance on its own inertia, keeping your foot on the brake.
Step 2. Stay on smooth, flat roads
Avoid holes, steep gradients and areas where the asphalt is uneven. Bumpy roads can ruin your rims, causing them to bend and misalign the vehicle. You should also be wary of wet or sandy terrain where the car can slip, sink or get bogged down.
You have the best chance of making it on paved roads, in parking lots and on the highway shoulder
Step 3. Try not to bend
Do not swerve sharply and do not attempt to drive on roads with many curves while looking for a point to pull over. Conversely, go straight ahead slowly, gently turning the steering wheel when you have a chance to get out of the flow of traffic. Take the most direct route to your destination.
- Resist the friction caused by the flat tire by holding the steering wheel steady, but not to the point that you lose the ability to maneuver the car.
- Tight turns place a greater load on the rim edges.
Step 4. Pull over to a safe place
At the first opportunity that comes your way, leave the main road and head to a spot where traffic is less intense. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped, then apply the handbrake and activate the four arrows to indicate to other drivers that you are having trouble.
- Pull over in a flat area so you can jack up the car.
- Do not get out of the car until you are certain that no vehicles are coming from the driver's side.
Step 5. Don't go too far
You should never attempt to travel more than a few hundred meters on a flat tire, even if it is not fully deflated. You may not have a chance to reach a mechanic, but at least you can advance until you get away from the dangers of the highway. Remember to proceed slowly and pull over as soon as possible.
- You can change the tire almost anywhere in an emergency, so don't worry about finding a parking space.
- Be safe before you worry about fixing the car.
Part 2 of 2: Addressing the Problem
Step 1. Try to reach a petrol station
If you can see a gas station attendant and have been lucky enough to avoid the tire explosion you may be able to gently drive the car into the station and inflate the tire with a compressor. Petrol stations usually have everything you need for simple repairs, such as puncture plug kits, so they're the perfect place to stop with a flat tire.
- Don't risk too much to get to a gas station. If your destination is more than 500m away, you should stop where you are.
- In some cases, petrol stations have the knowledge to help drivers who have suffered a puncture.
Step 2. Keep the spare wheel in the car
Almost all modern vehicles have a spare wheel on the tailgate or in a separate compartment of the trunk. If this is your case, you are in luck: just change the flat tire with the spare and you will be able to reach a workshop for a complete repair.
- If you don't know how to change a wheel, read the car's owner's manual, which contains a step-by-step guide.
- Spare wheels are smaller than normal wheels and are designed to cover distances of less than 75km, at speeds below 90km / h.
Step 3. Call a tow truck
If you are unable to reach a workshop or change the wheel yourself you may have no choice but to get picked up. Once the phone call is made, a tow truck will depart which will pick up your car and take it to the nearest garage, in order to solve your problem as soon as possible. In some cases, the person arriving will be able to change your tire right away.
- Being registered with a roadside assistance association like ACI can be very helpful in an emergency.
- You will usually have to wait between 45 minutes and an hour for the tow truck to arrive - probably not much longer than it would take to change the wheel yourself.
- Keep your phone charged when you travel, so you can always make a call in an emergency.
Step 4. Invest in a set of run flat tires
Tires of this type are designed to make driving safe even when fully deflated. The reinforced tread cushions against the wheel, relieving the stress of driving to a safe place to pull over. If you've never changed a tire or prefer not to have to, run flat tires can save you a lot of inconvenience.
Some run flat tires allow drivers to travel up to 150km at reduced speed before they wear out completely
Advice
- Always be on the lookout for objects and obstacles that could potentially cause a puncture.
- If your car doesn't have a spare tire, consider buying one and finding a place to store it.
- The four arrows and reflectors help other drivers see you if you have to pull over when it gets dark.
- Tires with small punctures (caused by objects such as nails and screws) can usually be repaired in workshops. In these cases, you can avoid buying a new tire.
- If you have more than one wheel on the ground follow the same directions, but be especially careful when driving, steering and stopping.
Warnings
- Over-inflating a tire can cause it to suddenly explode.
- If you end up accidentally damaging the rim, you probably have no choice but to replace the entire wheel.
