If your tire is completely flat, stop safely and decide whether you can replace it with a spare or if you need roadside assistance. Do not attempt to drive on a completely flat tire.
Flat tires can strike anywhere—on a highway, city street, or rural road. Knowing how to respond quickly and calmly can prevent damage to your vehicle and reduce risk to you and others on the road.
Immediate Safety Steps
These steps prioritize your safety and set up a safe environment before you attempt any tire work.
- Slowly move to a safe, stable area away from traffic and turn on your hazard lights.
- Engage the parking brake and, if available, place wheel chocks behind the wheels to prevent rolling.
- If possible, loosen the lug nuts a few turns while the wheel is still on the ground; this makes removal easier once the car is lifted.
- Position the jack at the vehicle’s designated jacking point and raise the car until the flat tire is off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts completely, take off the flat tire, and mount the spare.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts, lower the car, then tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer’s recommended torque. Recheck after a short drive.
With safety steps completed, you can proceed with the tire change or call for assistance if you are not comfortable performing the replacement.
Swapping in a Spare
If you have a spare tire, follow these steps to replace the flat safely. Donut spares have limits, so check your vehicle’s manual for exact specifications.
- Locate and retrieve the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench; remove any hubcap covering the lug nuts if needed.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire a few turns while the wheel is still on the ground.
- Place the jack at the correct lifting point and raise the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts completely, slide the flat tire off the hub, and mount the spare onto the hub.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts, then lower the car to the ground.
- Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the recommended torque, reinstall the hubcap if applicable, and store the flat tire and tools securely.
- Check the spare’s air pressure and be aware of any speed or distance limits for your spare before driving away.
Donut spares are not a full replacement for a standard tire. They are designed for temporary use only and should be replaced with a proper tire as soon as possible.
Without a Spare
If you don’t have a spare tire, you still have safe options to get back on the road or to a repair facility.
- Call roadside assistance, your auto club, or your insurer’s towing service to transport you to a tire shop or dealership.
- Ask about a mobile tire service that can patch, repair, or replace a tire at your location if available.
- Have the vehicle towed to a repair shop or dealership if you cannot safely travel without a spare.
- If a tread puncture is suspected and you have a tire sealant kit, you may use it according to the kit’s instructions; this is typically a temporary fix and not suitable for all damage.
- Consider arranging a rental car if you need to continue your trip while the tire is serviced.
Driving long distances without a spare or a professional repair can be dangerous and may cause further damage; seek assistance promptly.
Summary
Key takeaways: Prioritize safety, know your vehicle’s tools and spare type, and act quickly to replace the tire or call for help. Never drive far on a completely flat tire. After replacing or securing help, have the damaged tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible and verify lug-nut torque and tire pressure. Being prepared with a spare and a basic tool kit can save time and reduce risk when tire trouble strikes.