This essay examines the concepts of 'problem representation' and 'impasse' in problem-solving. It uses the example of a flat tire to illustrate how individuals approach a problem, encountering constraints and potentially reaching an impasse where a shift in interpretation is needed. The essay highlights the importance of mental preparedness and the exploration of alternative representations to overcome obstacles and find solutions. It references research by Öllinger et al. (2014) and Runco (2014) to support its arguments, demonstrating the dynamic interplay between search, impasse, and representational change in the problem-solving process. The concept of 'criterion failure' is also introduced, signifying the inability to find a solution within the current problem representation, leading to a restructuring of the problem and a renewed search for solutions.