If you notice a tire going flat, what should you do?

• A. Speed up to reach service.
• B. Keep riding until next service.
• C. Let air out slowly.
• D. Slow gradually and pull off the road at a safe location.

Answer: (D)

When a tire starts going flat, the priority is to regain and maintain control while moving to a safe place. Slowing gradually and pulling off the road at a safe location achieves that. It reduces speed in a controlled way so you won’t lose steering or suddenly stop, which could cause a crash if you stay on the roadway. Turning on your hazard lights and moving to a shoulder or safe pull-off gives you space to assess the tire and seek assistance.

The other options increase risk: speeding up to reach service can lead to a blowout or loss of control; riding on a flat tire until the next service is dangerous and likely to cause a crash or further damage; letting air out slowly doesn’t improve control and can make handling unpredictable.