Getting a flat tire while you’re driving, especially on the freeway, can be a dangerous situation. There are things you should do to ensure that you can come to a safe stop without injuring yourself or other drivers on the road.
Handling a Flat Tire Emergency
So, you’re clipping along at 85mph on the 101 and suddenly, without warning, you hear an explosion and the telltale thump, thump, thump. Oh no! Well, don’t flip out. Here are some tips you should commit to memory for when it happens to you.
What To Do When You Get a Flat Tire
1. Stay Calm
2. Grip the wheel tightly and hold it steady
3. Resist the urge to slam on the brakes
4. Turn on your emergency flashers
5. Ease up on the gas pedal quite a bit to reduce speed
6. Turn on your blinker to get over to the shoulder
7. Check your rear mirror and side mirrors constantly for dangerously fast vehicles
8. Keep moving over one lane at a time until you’re safely at the shoulder of the road
9. Drive very slowly to an exit, don’t park on the freeway
It will seem like a good idea to park right there on the side of the freeway, but keep driving to the nearest exit ramp to get off the freeway. Sure, you will bend the wheel probably. It is very easy for your car to be hit when it is on the side of the freeway. So, it is worth buying a new wheel rather than losing your life or just your car.
Call A1 Performance Auto Repair
Once you are safely off the freeway and parked on a side road, give us a call. We’ll be happy to take a look at that tire to see if we can repair it. Always remember, safety first.
