If your car has a flat tire or experiences a tire burst while you're traveling, it can be stressful, but knowing how to handle the situation safely and efficiently will help you get back on the road or reach home. Here are some helpful tips and ideas on what to do:
1. Stay Calm and Safe
- Don’t panic: If you hear a loud noise or feel the car pull in one direction, it could be a sign of a tire burst or flat. Hold the steering wheel firmly, and stay calm.
- Avoid slamming the brakes: Instead, gradually release the accelerator and allow the car to slow down naturally. Use gentle braking once the car has slowed significantly.
- Steer to safety: Carefully guide the car to the side of the road, preferably to the shoulder or a safe area, away from traffic.
- Turn on hazard lights: Turn on your hazard lights (emergency flashers) immediately to alert other drivers that you’re experiencing an issue.
2. Pull Over in a Safe Location
- Look for a safe spot: Pull over to a flat area, ideally a parking lot, rest area, or the shoulder of the road. Avoid stopping on narrow roads or in places with limited visibility.
- Avoid driving on a flat tire for too long: Driving on a flat tire can cause further damage to your wheel or rim, making repairs more expensive.
3. Assess the Damage
- Inspect the tire: Once parked safely, exit the vehicle and check the tire that’s flat or burst. Check to see if it’s just a small puncture or a full blowout.
- Use gloves: If you have gloves, put them on to protect your hands while inspecting or handling the tire.
4. Changing the Tire (If You Have a Spare)
If your car has a spare tire (often a “donut” tire), and you're comfortable changing it, follow these steps:
Tools You’ll Need:
- Spare tire: A temporary tire stored in your trunk.
- Car jack: To lift the car off the ground.
- Lug wrench: To loosen and tighten the lug nuts.
- Owner’s manual: Refer to this for specific instructions for your car model.
Steps to Change a Tire:
- Park on level ground: Make sure the car is on a flat, stable surface and turn on the emergency brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts slightly (turn counterclockwise). Do this before jacking up the car, but don't remove the nuts entirely yet.
- Jack up the car: Place the car jack under the vehicle’s frame, near the flat tire, following the owner's manual. Lift the car until the flat tire is off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts and the tire: Once the car is lifted, fully remove the loosened lug nuts and take off the flat tire.
- Mount the spare tire: Position the spare tire onto the wheelbase and hand-tighten the lug nuts in place.
- Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts: Lower the car back to the ground, and then tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern (to evenly distribute the tension).
- Check the tire pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge if you have one to check the spare tire pressure. Most donut spares should be inflated to around 60 PSI (refer to your manual).
Important: The spare tire (donut) is typically for temporary use and should not be driven at high speeds or over long distances. You should replace it with a full-size tire as soon as possible.
5. Using a Tire Repair Kit
If you don’t have a spare tire, but you have a tire repair kit (or tire sealant), you may be able to patch up the tire temporarily.
- Tire repair kit: Many modern cars come with a repair kit that includes a sealant and an air compressor to temporarily fix punctures.
- Tire sealant: You can use a tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat that you spray into the tire to seal small holes, followed by inflating the tire with an air compressor.
Note: Tire sealants only work for small punctures (like nails) and are not suitable for larger tears or sidewall damage. The fix is temporary, and you should replace or professionally repair the tire as soon as possible.
6. Call for Roadside Assistance
If you're unable to change the tire or don't have the necessary tools, calling for roadside assistance is a good option:
- AAA or Other Membership Services: If you have a membership with services like AAA, you can call for roadside assistance, and they’ll help you with a tire change, towing, or repair.
- Towing Services: If you're in a more remote location or don’t have a membership, you can call a local towing service to help get your car to a repair shop.
- Insurance Coverage: Some insurance policies include roadside assistance, so check your coverage details and call your insurance provider for help.
7. Temporary Solutions to Get Home (Without a Spare)
If you don’t have a spare tire or repair kit, you have a few temporary options:
Driving on a flat tire (not recommended): This should be the last resort and only for very short distances. Driving on a completely flat tire can cause severe damage to the tire and the wheel, leading to higher repair costs. It’s better to stop and call for help.
Use Run-Flat Tires (If Installed): If your car has run-flat tires, you can continue driving for a limited distance (usually around 50 miles at 50 mph) after a puncture. Check your car’s manual to confirm this feature.
8. Check Tire Pressure Regularly
To avoid flats and blowouts, make sure you check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated or overinflated tires are more prone to damage, especially in extreme weather conditions.
- Tire Pressure Gauge: Keep a tire pressure gauge in your car and use it to check the tire pressure every few weeks. Maintain the recommended tire pressure specified in your car’s manual or the label on the driver’s side door frame.
- Tire Rotation and Maintenance: Regularly rotating your tires and checking for wear can prevent tire issues from developing over time.
9. Preventative Measures
- Keep a spare tire in good condition: If your car has a spare, ensure it’s in good condition and properly inflated. Periodically check its pressure.
- Tire Maintenance: Check tire tread regularly. If tires are too worn, they are more susceptible to punctures and bursts.
- Carry an emergency kit: Have a basic emergency car kit that includes the necessary tools for a tire change, gloves, a flashlight, and a jack.
By following these steps and being prepared with the right tools, you'll be able to handle a flat tire or blowout safely and either change it yourself or get help quickly