I lived it once a couple years back- a tire shredded. About three people pulled along side and gave me strange waves...I thought they were weird until the third person kicked in my logic and I pulled over to discover that the tire was gone- and I never felt it nor ever saw anything.This past week, I was following a large mobile home...as I approached it there were little chunks of rubber, and finally it became clear he was the source...and then things were starting to smoke...I pulled along side, I honked...we could not make eye contact- his truck was much higher than mine...I don't think it's safe to STAY alongside- so I completed my pass and then rapidly shifted from right to left blinker.The dude kept going- and I understood...you just cant see tires nor their smoke from the mirrors.The folks waving at me seemed like random waves...I know my efforts to inform the mobile home guy were probably similar- "What's that guy's problem?".So- I know we won't solve it here- but I've really wished the trucking industry would develop an "official, recognized signal" for "you have a flat tire" (or you have a trailer problem).I would think there'd be options of a turn signal sequence or brake light flash sequence or headlight flashing sequence....anyone with thoughts or similar stories?

After pulling in front of him, I might have rolled down my window, stuck my arm out, pointed to the shoulder, then pulled over to the shoulder.

I have always just used my folded up hand with my first finger pointing down. Then moving that up and down???? i.e. I am pointing to the tires doing this...If you get the middle finger back in return then just keep on going - at least you tried...I was in the mtns of Northern Calif heading for Sacramento pulling my trusty ole jeep. The one rear tire curb side went flat and eventually completely came off the wheel. I never saw a thing or feel any different pulling of the Jeep going down the road around 55 MPH.You can imagine the surprise I had when when I finally pulled into a rest stop for a leg stretch... I don't recall anyone trying to get my attention but it was dusk to dark when it happened. I changed the wheel and went on my merry way. It also ruined my wheel big time...Roy Ken

Truckers should understand after getting their attention, then 1. Use both hands, one palm up and the other palm down. 2. Tap palms twice (indicating a flat).3. Point back to the rear of their rig.That's all one can do.Pat

Circle track racers without radios,stick left arm straight out,palm up,right arm straight out on top,palm down, and pat your hands together up and down,like "flat"...get it? If they are an old racer they would get it,most people can't read a road sign so I doubt they would understand!!!

70mph going down the road, put two arms out and give signals? not hereI'd pass, point at them and to shoulder, pull in front and slow them down.

Hand signal: "You have a flat tire" | Good Sam Community

Tystevens
Explorer
Jun 17, 2014
I always thought the sign was: cap brim, left elbow, swipe the chest, right ear lobe and clap twice. But maybe that was the sign to steal second, I can't remember!

Honk and point probably works just fine for me. If I try a couple times and they don't get it, I either give up or continue pursuit, depending on the severity of the issue. Honestly, if someone started doing separating finger signals or pointing to their shoulder or a horizontal clap or playing charades, I'd think they were wacko!

We once had this couple in a pickup truck come flying up next to us, honking and leaning half way out the window hollering and all that. I thought, the trailer must be on fire or I must have lost all 4 tires or something! They even pulled off to the side with us and she came running out of the truck to tell me ...

'your rear roof vent is open!!!'

Umm, thanks? ... it is over the bathroom and we always leave it cracked for a little air flow. It was apparently a significant issue to them, though!
gijoecam
Explorer
Jun 17, 2014
I think a universal 'honk-and-point' usually communicates the issue well enough. I've been on both ends of it and never been confused by it.
C_Schomer
Explorer
Jun 15, 2014
Just like Jay Pat said... the horizontal clapping hands WAS the official signal when I was trucking. Truckers get it but I swear some people are oblivious and they wouldn't get it, even if you threw a shredded tire at them! All I need is for someone to point at my RV and I will pull over and see if anything is flapping, dragging or coming apart. Craig
jdog
Explorer
Jun 14, 2014
I was behind a semi that had a small door open at the back of his trailer. I used a CB to tell him. Turns out it's a refrigeration air door. I have seen them a lot now that I know what they are. Felt stupid for making a big deal out of something that is supposed to be like that.
Jaust
Explorer
Jun 13, 2014
Some of those answers were the most ridiculous I've ever heard. Pull in front and slow them down on a highway? Really? And if some stranger tries to get me to pull over to the shoulder that's not happening. I would wait until I find a safe place to pull over and then see what they were trying to convey but that's it. Use your head people.
loggenrock
Explorer
Jun 11, 2014
Howdy mate! Cool idea!!! I'd be worried that I *might* type in something that in better judgement I maybe shouldn't have...!!! :o ST
zlowes
Explorer
Jun 09, 2014
G'day all,

new member from Australia.

What I (and a few friends)use are 'programmable scrolling message signs' also available on ebay in the USA.
eg. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/251058089393

I have one attached to the back of my RV and as it is programmable you can display any message you want.

Just watch that the unit you get CAN transmit to the outside back of you RV as not all are good enough.

Comes in handy when travelling on convoy as well...
loggenrock
Explorer
Jun 03, 2014
I have a dry erase white board and marker so co-pilot can write such a message to other driver... Works as a lap desk the rest of the time. ST
BurbMan
Explorer II
Jun 02, 2014
Laman
Explorer
Jun 02, 2014
The only time I have had a problem was a flat tire on a FW that of course happened without me feeling or seeing anything. A trucker pulled up next to me, beeped his horn, pointed to my FW and then made a slashing move across his throat, I got the message that something was wrong and pulled over and found a tire about to come apart. Probably a dozen cars had passed me without a signal.