Pull over safely, then decide whether you can replace the tire with a spare or you need roadside assistance. Do not drive on a completely flat tire unless you have a run-flat or a temporary spare with explicit limits.
Stay safe and assess the situation
Before you touch the wheel, ensure you are in a safe location and visible to other drivers. Turn on hazard lights, set the parking brake, and place a reflective triangle if you have one. If you are on a busy road or in bad weather, wait for professional help from a tow or roadside service.
If you can safely change the tire
The following steps assume you have a usable spare and the necessary tools, and that you feel comfortable performing the change.
- Secure the car on level ground and engage the parking brake; place wheel chocks if available.
- Loosen the lug nuts about a quarter turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
- Position the jack at the vehicle’s recommended jack point and raise the car until the flat tire clears the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts and the flat tire, then mount the spare on the hub.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts, lower the car, and then tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer’s torque specification.
- Check that the spare has adequate air pressure and that you can drive safely; if you have a donut, adhere to its speed/distance limits.
- Stow the flat tire and tools, and drive to a tire shop to repair or replace the original tire as soon as possible.
Note: Spare tires are typically temporary and may have size and speed limits. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the correct procedure and torque specs.
If you can’t or prefer not to change it yourself
If changing a tire isn’t safe or feasible due to traffic, terrain, or injury risk, contact roadside assistance, your insurer, or a tow truck service. If you have run-flat tires, you may be able to drive to a shop within the manufacturer’s guidelines, but you should still have the tire inspected as soon as possible.
- Call your roadside assistance provider or insurer for a tow or tire change service; many programs cover flat tires.
- If you have a temporary spare, you can sometimes drive to a repair facility within its limits; otherwise avoid long trips.
- Do not rely on a sealant kit for a completely flat tire; sealants are for minor punctures and will not fix a blowout or a totally flat tire.
After service, replace the spare or repaired tire and have the wheel and air pressure checked if needed.
Understanding tire types and their limitations
Different tire configurations affect what you can do after a flat. Run-flat tires are designed to be driven for a limited distance after a puncture, typically at reduced speeds. Donut, or temporary spare tires, are meant for short trips at lower speeds until you reach a repair shop. A full-size spare is a replacement tire that is the same size as your regular tire but is usually intended for short-term use until you can install a proper tire.
Summary
The core steps are to pull over safely, determine whether you can replace the tire with a spare, and act within the limits of your tire type. If changing it yourself isn’t safe or feasible, seek professional help. Drive cautiously on a spare and arrange a proper tire repair or replacement as soon as possible.