You know the day has just got worse when you get a flat tire on your car, but it is extra bad news when you happen to be on the highway when it goes flat on you.
There is not just the inconvenience to your plans that make a flat tire a problem, but when you are on a busy highway, safety becomes a big issue too. Getting a service like Flash Towing San Jose to help you out as quickly as possible will help get your day back on track, but in the meantime you need to keep out of danger.
Highways are dangerous places at the best of times, but when you are pulled over on the side with a flat tire, you are in a vulnerable position. Here is a look at how to handle a flat tire and keep yourself as safe as possible while you get the situation sorted.
Avoiding tragedy
Chances are, you have been held up in your journey in the past, due to the highway being closed off due to an accident.
That accident all too often, turns out to be someone who was trying to change a tire on the highway who has then been hit by cars traveling at speed. It is the responsibility of other drivers to slow down when they see a vehicle on the side of the road, or change lanes away from a stalled car.
You don’t want to become the next fatality, so it is important you keep in mind the danger you are in and don’t take risks trying to change a tire without expert help.
Handling a flat tire
The first thing to do if you notice that your car is suffering from a flat tire, is slow down and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel .
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 by taking your foot of the gas pedal. Look around you and see how safely you can change lanes and try to make your way into a safe place away from speeding traffic.
Pulling over
Driving a short distance on a flat tire for a short period should be fine if you avoid sudden movements and your priority is to get yourself onto safe grounds rather than stop in traffic.
Once you have managed to move to a safe place on the side of the highway, turn on your flashers immediately, so that other vehicles can clearly see you and know that you have a problem.
Keeping safe
Having managed to get your vehicle off to the side of the highway, you need to do everything you can while you wait for help.
Do not attempt to change your tire unless you really know what you are doing and you can work safely away from the traffic, which is probably unlikely.
Don’t stand behind or next to your car while help arrives. It is often better to stay in your car unless you are able to safely walk to secure area which is not in danger from any traffic.
Getting a flat tire on the freeway is never going to be fun, but staying safe and making sure you avoid serious injury is way more important than the inconvenience of a delay to your journey.
by Michael McDaniel – Michael McDaniel is a retired automotive mechanic. When he’s not tinkering with one of his antique cars, he’s writing about the car repair industry. Look for his informative posts on many of today’s top blogs and websites.
