First aid for a flat tire in winter!

A flat tire is always annoying, but in winter, it can be especially dangerous. If you have a flat tire in snowy, icy or cold conditions, you must act quickly and correctly to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.

In this blog post, you will learn how to proceed in the event of a flat tire in winter and what mistakes you should avoid.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A FLAT TIRE IN WINTER?

If you notice that your tire is losing air or has blown out, follow these steps:

• Stay calm and turn on your hazard lights.
• Carefully move the vehicle to the side of the road or to a safe parking area.
• Have the occupants exit the vehicle on the side away from the traffic and put on a high-visibility vest.
• Secure the vehicle with a warning triangle and switch off the engine.
• Check the condition of the tire and decide whether you can change it yourself or need to call a breakdown service.
• If you have a spare tire or a temporary spare, you can try to change the tire. Make sure you have a level and firm surface for the jack, and follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
• If you do not have a spare tire or cannot change the tire, call roadside assistance or use your mobility warranty if you have one.
• If you have a tire repair kit, you can try to repair the tire with it. Follow the instructions on the kit and then drive carefully to the nearest service centre.

WHAT NOT TO DO ON THE HIGHWAY?

In the case of a winter flat tire, there are some mistakes that you should avoid at all costs, as they can jeopardize your safety or cause further damage to your vehicle. Here are some examples:

• Do not brake or steer abruptly. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or further damage the tire.
• Do not stop and run off the road. This could cause a serious accident. Always stop in a safe place and get out of the vehicle.
• Do not drive with a flat tire. This could result in a blown tire or damaged rim. Drive only as far as necessary to find a safe place to stop.
• Do not drive too fast or too far with a spare tire. A spare tire is designed for only a limited speed (usually 80 kmph) and distance (usually 80 km). Drive only as far as necessary to reach a service centre.
• Remember to check tire pressure regularly. Proper tire pressure is important for driving safety and can reduce the risk of flat tires. Check the tire pressure at least once a month and before longer journeys using a suitable tire pressure gage.

CONCLUSION

A flat tire in winter can be an unpleasant situation, but knowing what to do and what mistakes to avoid can help you manage it better.

Remember to stay calm, secure your vehicle, and call for help if needed. And do not forget to regularly maintain and check your tires to minimize the risk of a blowout.