A mindless flat tire is enough to ruin your day, especially if you don’t have help nearby, it’s late at night, or the weather is bad. So, if you’re thinking, “I have a flat tire, who to call for a flat tire?” — you’re not alone. A lot of drivers just go blank, but a few mindful, strategic moves can help put you back on the road. This guide details what to do if you end up getting a flat tire, how to approach the situation, what tools to use or services to contact, and who to call for a flat tire.
What to Do When You Get a Flat Tire
Having a flat tire while driving can be both frustrating and a little frightening. If you are on the road, whether for work or pleasure, knowing how to deal with a flat tire can be very helpful. Follow the guide from finding a safe spot to change it to getting back on the road fast.
Keep Calm and Pull Over Safely
The instant your car pulls away from the road, vibrates, or you hear that dreadful “thump-thump,” you probably have a flat. Don’t panic. Just relax, try to slow to a stop, don’t slam on the brakes, and pull over in a flat, safe spot, away from traffic if possible.”
Ideal places:
- A wide road shoulder
- A parking lot
- A side street (if nearby and known to be safe)
Engage the parking brake when you come to a stop, and stay in your vehicle until it is safe to get out.
Turn on Hazard Lights and Assess the Situation
Turn on your flashers to alert other drivers that you’re parked on account of an emergency. This is particularly important in the dark, in poor visibility, or on a motorway. (If you happen to have reflective cones or flares with you, place them 10–15 feet behind your vehicle.)
Check for Visible Damage or Punctures
When it is safe to do so, check the flat tire. Look for:
- Nails, Screws, or Other Sharp Objects
- Cuts or “knicks” in the sidewall.
- Full blowouts or rim damage
There might be a kit pouch that could be deployed to patch a small puncture. Moreover, a shredded tire? That probably means replacement or a tow.
Can You Fix It Yourself or Do You Need Help?
Ask yourself:
- Do you have a spare tire and equipment to change it?
- How hard is it for you to lift a tire?
- Is it safe for you to work where you are parked?
However, follow a general rule: it is safer to call for help when you’re on your last, shredded tire than to try a DIY fix on the side of the highway.
Using a Spare Tire If You Have One
If you have a spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench in your car, you could change it out using the following process:
- Fit the lug nuts (do not remove lug nuts).
- Jack up the car.
- Take off the flat tire and replace it with the spare.
- Tighten the lug nut removal and lower the car.
Pro tip: Space-saver spares are almost universal in new cars, and they are just what the name suggests: meant for short distances, not highway cruising.
Using a Tire Repair Kit or Inflator
If you have no spare, see whether your car is equipped with a tire repair kit or a portable inflator. These are great for:
- Little holes (non-sidewall damage)
- Move on wheels before you have it fixed
Pay attention to directions closely. The majority of sealants do this with a foaming agent that fills the hole for a short while and then, with any luck, helps you get the lights turned back on.
Calling a Nearest Friend or Neighbor
In a known neighborhood, a quick ring to a friend or neighbor nearby may save time on a hike. They may have a jack, a spare, or simply some assistance in providing support until official help shows up. Just make sure you’re not putting yourself — or them — in an unsafe position to change a tire.
Drive to the Nearest Service Station
It is not safe to drive on a flat tire. It can:
- Destroy the wheel
- Cause alignment damage
- Risk a total tire blowout
If you can avoid it, don’t move your car, and if you can’t avoid it, move it as little as possible (amounting to under 100 yards) as slowly and gently as possible. Otherwise, call for help.
Ask for Mobile Tire Repair Service Help
Some of the things that are provided when you hire a mobile tire repair service are;
- Field patch or plug a puncture
- Carry and fit a new tyre
- Inflate low-pressure tires
Look up “mobile tire repair near me” on your phone. In cities, many companies promise a 24/7 response time.
Consider Towing as a Last Resort
If your tire cannot be repaired or you’re in an unsafe location, call for a tow truck. The following is covered under some towing:
- Car insurance roadside assistance
- AAA or other memberships
- Car manufacturer programs
Calling a tow to the nearest auto shop is often safer and cheaper than incurring additional damage or injury.
Towing Companies in Your Area
If you don’t have coverage, search “tow truck near me” or call a local towing service. Make sure to:
- Ask for a quote upfront
- Confirm wait times
- Request a receipt for reimbursement if applicable
Tips: How can you avoid getting flat tires?
Some tire chains and local car repair shops offer emergency tire services or after-hours service. If you live near one, you might be able to:
Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Flats are caused by under-inflated tires.
How to check them: Invest in a digital gauge and check those aesthetic tire indicators; one with 8s, you can see it’s safe; one with 4s, it’s unsafe. Look for slow leaks.
Carry a Spare, Jack, and Tools
If your car wasn’t equipped with one from the start, get a spare. Also carry:
- A jack and lug wrench
- Tire sealant and inflator
- A flashlight and gloves
You never know when you’ll want them.
Consider a Roadside Assistance Plan
What to look for: If you want peace of mind when you’re driving, consider purchasing a roadside assistance plan. As much as 24/7 help for as little as $5 a month through insurance or credit cards:
- Flat tires
- Lockouts
- Dead batteries
- Towing
It’s peace of mind that more than pays for itself the first time you use it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when you get a flat tire, even if you don’t have a spare, you should know what to do or who to call for a flat tire. You have a few options, from fixing it yourself to calling roadside assistance. In short, you should be prepared well before the tire ever fails.
FAQs
Pull over to a safe location, put on your hazard lights, and see whether you have a spare tire or a repair kit for a flat tire. If not, contact roadside assistance or a mobile tire service.
Check with your car insurance company for roadside assistance, or with a local tow company service, or find a mobile tire repair service close to you.
Repair using a tire repair kit or call a mobile tire service. Down the road, however, it might be worth it to invest in a compact spare and carry it in your trunk.
