Tires can deflate without warning. You might hear a strange sound, feel the steering pull, or feel that your vehicle is suddenly more difficult to maneuver. Knowing what to do when you get a flat tire can help you stay calm and avoid making the damage worse.
Your primary concern should be safety. Avoid making a sharp turn or hitting the brakes. Reduce your speed slowly, keep away from traffic, and be sure to stop in a safe spot. Once you’ve gotten free of danger and have checked the tire and decided if you want to replace it with a spare, make use of a repair kit or contact a helpline.
Call Us Today
Important Takeaways
- Keep the wheel in place and slowly reduce the speed.
- Beware of sudden braking if tires lose pressure.
- Find a flat spot to park and away from traffic.
- Don’t continue driving on a tire that is completely flat.
- A scuff in the tread can be repaired however, sidewall damage is usually not.
- You can use a temporary spare in accordance with the speed and distance limitations.
- Contact roadside assistance if replacing the tire could put you at risk.
- Examine the tire with damage by a tire specialist.
What Are The Warning Signs Of A Flat Tire While Driving?
Some flat tires happen slowly. Some are sudden loss of pressure in the tire, which alters how the vehicle handles in a matter of minutes.
The most common signs of a flat tire are:
- A warning light for tire pressure
- A frequent flapping or thumping sound
- The steering feels heavy
- The vehicle is pulling towards the other side.
- Unusual sounds from the steering wheel
- The difficulty of keeping a straight path
- One of the corners of the vehicle is lower than normal
A tire blowout could be more threatening and louder than a small leak. There could be a loud bang and then a strong rumble. Make sure both hands are at the wheel. Remove your foot from the accelerator gradually, but don’t abruptly move your foot towards the shoulder.
What Should You Do If The Tire Goes Flat?
The basic steps for what to do when you get a flat tire are simple, although the situation can feel stressful.
The first step is to keep an erect grip on the handle. Let the car reduce its speed gradually. Switch on your hazard lights to let other drivers know that there is a problem.
Seek out a broad shoulder or parking area, rest area, or other area that is not surrounded by traffic. Make sure to stop on firm and flat ground. An unsteady shoulder or a steep slope could cause danger when using the Jack.
After having stopped:
- Place the car in park.
- Use the brake for parking.
- Switch on the hazard lights.
- Make sure that passengers are kept away from the flow of traffic.
- Be sure to check your surroundings before heading out.
- Make sure to inspect the tire only if it is in good condition.
If you’re in a narrow roadway shoulder or in proximity to vehicles that are speeding, staying inside and keeping your seat belt secured is a good idea. Contact roadside assistance or emergency services if needed.
How Do You Pull Over Securely With A Flat Tire?
Learning what to do when you get a flat tire also means knowing how to stop without losing control. Be careful not to slam the brakes too with a lot of force. Rapid braking can change the vehicle’s weight and make steering difficult, particularly after an accident.
Maintain the vehicle in a straight line as you ease off the accelerator. Signal ahead of moving toward the shoulder. When your speed is at a low level and the stopping zone is free, you can apply the brakes lightly.
Don’t stop in a traffic lane to shield the tire. If needed, travel only a short distance at a slower speed to get to a safer location. Your safety can be more vital than stopping all possible tire or wheel damage.
Call Us Today
Can You Drive On A Flat Tire?
Most of the time, it is not the case. Driving on a flat tire could end up damaging it. The wheel can press on the sidewalls of the tire, which can cause structural damage. Continuous driving may also result in the rim of a flat tire being damaged, alignment issues, as well as suspension problems.
People asking what to do when you get a flat tire sometimes hope they can drive to the nearest tire shop. It may be simpler, but an hour’s drive could turn an easily repaired puncture into an unrepairable tire that needs to be replaced.
Make sure to stop immediately when you have found a safe place. If the tire is still inflated with some air left, the use of a portable inflator can be helpful in a few circumstances. But don’t use an inflator on a tire that has visible damage to the sidewall, exposed cords, a massive cut, or indications that it’s separating.
How Far Can You Drive On The Flat Tire?
A normal tire shouldn’t be used until it has become flat. There isn’t a safe, general distance, as the damage will depend on the tire, the vehicle weight, as well as the road surface, speed, and the reason for the loss of air.
The run-flat tires are distinct. They are intended to help support the vehicle over only a certain distance after losing pressure. Some allow limited driving distances of 50 miles however, the length of time varies. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and the owner’s manual for your vehicle to determine the proper distance for running flat tires and the maximum speed.
A tire that is run-flat isn’t safe from damage. It is still in need of inspection whenever it is possible.
Is It Safe To Drive On Donut Spares?
An emergency spare tire, often known as a donut, is designed for use only on a short-term basis. It assists you in reaching a repair shop however, it’s not meant to replace the normal tire that you use for regular driving.
If you are driving with donuts:
- Be sure to follow the speed limit that is printed in the book.
- Beware of hard braking and sharp turns.
- Avoid roads that are rough whenever you can.
- Don’t carry any unnecessary weight loads.
- Change it out with a larger tire as soon as you can.
- Verify the air pressure of the spare before using it.
A lot of temporary spares have a maximum speed of 50mph, however, you should verify the speed limit on the tire.
How Do I Change A Flat Tire Safely?
If you want to understand what to do when you get a flat tire, it helps to know when a roadside tire change is reasonable. You’ll need a solid flat surface with plenty of space between you and the passing vehicles. You will also require the proper tools, such as a lug wrench, spare tire, and instructions.
Do not try replacing the tire:
- The vehicle is situated on the slope
- The ground is unstable or soft.
- You are not far from moving traffic
- Poor visibility
- Weather conditions create danger
- The Jack or spare is missing or damaged
- You’re not sure where the lifting points of your vehicle are located.
A vehicle that is only supported by a jack isn’t safe to walk on. Be sure to follow the owner’s instructions and keep all of your body out from under the vehicle.
Do You Need the Tire Repair Kit or an Inflator?
A repair or replacement kit for tires, also known as an inflator kit, could offer temporary assistance in the event of a minor tread puncture. Certain kits employ sealants as well as compressed air in order to regain enough pressure to get to the service area.
These kits are not appropriate for all types of damage. Don’t rely on a tool for:
- The tire’s sidewall is damaged
- A tire that is separated from the wheel
- A large hole or deep cut
- A cord or belt that is exposed
- A cracked or bent rim
- The damage caused by driving on a flat
Inform the tire technician if any sealant was applied. Certain substances can alter the tire pressure sensor or make the interior of the tire difficult to check.
Call Us Today
Is The Puncture Reparable?
A puncture that can be repaired typically consists of a small nick in the tread. A puncture near the shoulder or the sidewall is typically dangerous to repair since the areas are prone to flexing when driving.
A qualified technician should remove the tire from the wheel and check it inside. A tire could appear good from the outside but conceal damaged cords as well as heat-related damage and internal liner damage. The plug in itself isn’t always an all-per-permanent fix.
When Is The Best Time To Call Roadside Assistance?
Calling for help is often the safest answer to what to do when you get a flat tire. Call roadside assistance if you’re near the road that is busy or don’t have a functional spare, can’t loosen the lug nuts, or think you are able to change the tire.
It is recommended to call for assistance in the event that there is more than one damaged tire, or the wheel seems bent. There’s no reason for you to take a risk simply to tackle the issue by yourself.
What Can Tires2go Do To Help You After A Flat Tire?
Once you have reached a secure area, Tires2go can inspect the tire to determine if it is repairable or requires replacement. The team will also inspect the tire for damage to the rim or uneven wear pressure issues, as well as other issues that could cause the flat.
Understanding what to do when you get a flat tire is only the first part. A thorough inspection can ensure that the wheel, tire and the related components are in good condition before returning to your normal driving.
Frequently Answered Questions
What happens when I drive at a slow speed on flat tires?
Even at a slower speed, the weight of the vehicle can cause the tire’s sidewall to break to the edge. This could cause the tire to break and also damage the wheel.
Can a punctured nail be fixed?
It could be repaired in the event that the abrasion is small and is situated in the primary tread area. A tire technician needs to check the location of the hole and its condition inside.
Can damage to the sidewalls be repaired?
Cuts, punctures and bubbles are usually not considered to be safe for repair. The tire usually requires replacement.
Do I need to remove the nail in my tire?
Don’t take it off at the roadside. The object could be slowing the leak of air. Put it down and then have the tire checked.
What is the best time to examine the tire of my second car?
Make sure to check the condition of the tire and its check the pressure regularly during routine maintenance, and prior to long journeys. Spare tires may lose pressure when they are not used.
What should I put in my car to fix an empty tire?
Maintain a spare working toolbox, lug wrench flashlight as well as reflective warning devices gloves, a pressure gauge and a portable tire inflator. A fully charged mobile phone and roadside assistance information are also useful.
Call Us Today