Nobody likes the dreadful feeling when you get a flat tire in the middle of the night. Not only is it inconvenient and anxiety-inducing, but it can also be hazardous if you're stuck on a dark road without proper lighting or helpful bystanders to turn to for assistance. But don't worry – there are still steps you can take when your flat tire occurs at night to minimize potential danger and get back on the road as soon as possible. Today we'll be looking at what you should do when you suffer this dreaded nighttime misfortune so that, with some luck, it won't keep you from making your destination safely.
What should you do when you get a flat tire at night on the highway?
Don't Panic
It's no surprise that flat tires can be quite a nuisance, especially if they catch you off guard late at night. Getting a flat tire won't be the only issue you must address. You must keep your cool and take things one step at a time because flat tires don't have to spoil your blissful evening.
Staying calm is critical so you can deal with the car emergency. Be aware of your location and call for help immediately. Flat tires may require professional help to fix quickly, especially when you're stuck somewhere during nighttime. However, if it is safe to try to repair it yourself, you may use a tire repair kit or install the spare tire in your trunk.
Change the tire
Getting a flat tire or having a car emergency at night is always unnerving. Remain calm and take appropriate steps to address the issue. If you face a flat tire, it's essential to change it as soon as possible because driving with a flat tire can damage your car's axle, wheel and tires, and suspension. Make sure you put on the spare tire correctly and double-check that it is secure. In addition, take extra precautions while changing the flat tire, such as attaching reflective markers or turning on hazard lights so that passing cars are aware of what's happening.
Call a friend
If you haven't tried changing a tire yourself, it's best to call a friend who can help or advise you on how to change them. Not only can they give you directions over the phone, but if they live nearby, it may be helpful for them to come to assist in person. Ultimately, having someone by your side during a car emergency is far more beneficial than tackling the flat tire alone.
Contact roadside assistance
Changing a flat tire can be a stressful experience, especially when it happens in a car emergency. If you have no idea to do it by yourself and feel overwhelmed contact roadside assistance – they can help get you out of this situation quickly and hassle-free. Not only will they send someone to change your flat tire, but they'll also ensure that the new one is correctly fitted so that you can continue your journey with peace of mind. Don't hesitate to contact roadside assistance whenever you have a flat tire to stay safe and avoid further problems in your car emergency.
What are the things that you should do to avoid getting a flat tire?
Always keep a spare tire on your vehicle
A spare is good for emergencies like this one. You don't have to have the same model or make of the car as the original tire to use it. If you don't have one, ask your family members and friends if they have one.
Check your pressure regularly and adjust it when necessary
It's crucial to regularly check your tire pressure, especially if you're driving on unpaved roads or in areas with high humidity or frequent rainstorms. You should also check the air pressure when the temperature is low outdoors. Cold air can cause more damage than warm air during winter.
Avoid driving on bald tires
Driving on bald tires is a big no-no. Not only is it dangerous and illegal, but it's likely to leave you in a sticky situation sooner rather than later. Shallow tread depth leaves your tires unable to grip the road surface with enough force for efficient braking and cornering, meaning you could find yourself in a very precarious car emergency if you don't take action.
Make sure to check your tire pressure and tread depth often as part of regular driving maintenance. Replace them with ones full of air all year round so that they won't lose their effectiveness over time and cause more problems for you. Also, invest in high-quality tires like Nitto tires.
Do away from driving with underinflated tires
Don't drive on underinflated tires unless necessary because doing so increases your risk of having a tire blowout.
Don't overload your vehicle
Driving an overloaded vehicle can have serious consequences. It puts extra pressure on the wheels and tires, leading to higher friction that increases the risk of a tire blowout.
Are the wheels going to be damaged if you leave your flat tire overnight?
If you find yourself stranded with a flat tire, don't wait until morning to get it fixed. Leaving a flat tire overnight is inconvenient and can risk more damage to your vehicle. With a flat tire, the vehicle's weight is distributed unequally between each tire, which can cause uneven strain on the truck wheels, causing them to bend.
Conclusion
Addressing a problem like a flat tire at night can be daunting. However, with the proper knowledge to back you up, it doesn't have to be such a pain. No matter what time of day, we recommend checking the tips mentioned above if you experience a flat tire. Proper vehicle maintenance decreases the chance of running into a flat significantly.
