Safety Tips: Changing a Tyre on the Motorway

Any driver who has experienced a problem with their vehicle while driving on a motorway knows what a terrifying experience dealing with that problem can be. Not only must you get the car off the road and onto the shoulder safely, but then you must take care of the problem so you can be on your way once again.

While many drivers will call a professional to come in and deal with broken or malfunctioning car parts, when it comes to blowouts or tyre punctures, most drivers will attempt to resolve the problem themselves. Unfortunately, changing a tyre on the side of the motorway can be extremely dangerous, and it is important for individuals to understand what steps they need to take to reduce the danger and stay out of harm’s way.

Pulling Off of the Motorway

Let’s pretend for a moment that you’re driving your Audi down the motorway when the tyre goes flat. While this may send you into an instant panic, it is important to stay calm as you attempt to navigate the car over to the side of the road. Here are the first few steps you should take.

• Push the gas pedal and keep your foot away from the brake. This will allow you more control over the steering and the Audi will slow down automatically because of the drag force exerted by the flat tyre.

• Slowly turn toward the shoulder. Be careful not to jerk the wheel or try to correct the car too quickly, as this can result in loss of control.

• Put your hazard lights on. Hazard lights are there for a reason; they alert other drivers to problems you are experiencing. Put them on as soon as possible, and before you pull all the way over. This will alert other drivers to your slower speeds and can help to prevent an accident.

Changing an Audi Tyre on a Motorway

Once you’ve safely pulled off the motorway and the car is as far away from the road as possible, the following steps need to be taken to ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of other drivers on the road.

• Have any passengers exit the vehicle from the door on the opposite side of the motorway. This will keep them away from fast-moving traffic.

• Make sure the hazard lights are working correctly and place a reflective triangle down the road from the back of the Audi. This reflective triangle will warn oncoming traffic of the presence of the vehicle and allow them to safely slow down or move to another lane to prevent accidents.

• Evaluate the situation carefully before you begin changing the tyre. While changing a tyre is an easy process for many drivers, it can be dangerous at night, at dusk and dawn, during harsh weather, and when traffic is too heavy. If you cannot change the tyre safely, don’t attempt to do so. Instead, call a professional either with a cell phone or with an emergency phone located on the shoulder of the motorway.

• If you will need to walk to an emergency phone, make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing, like a high-viz jacket so oncoming traffic can see you. In addition, always walk facing oncoming traffic; never turn your back to approaching vehicles.

• If you are determined to change the tyre yourself, make a call to the motorway unit anyway. Let them know where your Audi is located and what the problem is so they can respond quickly in an emergency.

• When changing the tyre yourself, always be sure to have all the tools and equipment you need on hand so the task can be completed as quickly as possible. This includes the spare tyre, the locking wheel nut adaptor, the wheel wrench, and the jack. If you notice that one or more Audi parts have become damaged because of the blowout, do not attempt to put on the spare and continue driving the Audi. This could result in more damage to the car parts and be dangerous as well.

Facing a flat tyre or blowout on the motorway? This type of situation can be extremely dangerous for you, your passengers, and other motorist. Use caution when pulling onto the hard shoulder and carefully consider whether you should change the tyre yourself or seek the help of a professional to avoid harm to yourself and other Audi parts.