Tires are incredibly important for good traction and handling while driving. Modern tires are of very high quality and can provide car owners with tens of thousands of miles of reliable and safe use. Unfortunately, road hazards and wear and tear over time make any tire vulnerable to going flat whenever you are driving. According to Zippia, the nation has more than 180 thousand auto mechanics, including those who specialize in wheels, tires, and suspensions. Utilizing these services can help ensure your tires stay in great shape and prevent problems before they occur. However, if you have a flat tire while driving, here’s what to do until you get a chance to replace your damaged tire.
Slow Down and Don’t Panic
You might hear the tire making a rhythmic thumping sound or feel the vehicle starting to pull in one direction when a tire goes flat on your car. Many vehicles also have tire pressure sensors that can trigger a warning light on the dash. When you realize you have a flat tire, it’s important to stay calm, slow down, and avoid making any sudden steering or braking inputs that might cause a loss of traction and a loss of control. You should turn on the hazard lights and come to a controlled stop.
Find a Safe Place to Stop
You should try to find a safe spot to stop when your vehicle has a flat tire. A wide shoulder could enable you to pull off of the road completely. A side street or a parking lot is even better so you can pull off the main road and stay out of the primary flow of traffic. The further away from the road and its traffic lanes, the safer it will be to work on the flat tire.
Place a Warning Sign or Flare Near the Road
Ideally, you should have road flares and maybe a small orange cone or a small triangular placard that you can place behind your vehicle to warn oncoming drivers. Road flares are great because they work equally well during the day or night. They give other drivers plenty of notice that your car is on the side of the road or partly blocking the traffic lane if the shoulder is too narrow. So do traffic cones and emergency placards. You’ll need to remove the wheel with the flat tire and replace it with a spare or a donut to get back on the road. It’s best to have professionals assist you with this.
It’s good to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. It’s better to reduce your risk of having a flat tire in the first place. Contact Auto Diagnostic & Repair Center for assistance with your tire maintenance today.