How to Handle a Flat Tire? Tips from the Experts

We know getting a flat tire is an annoying experience, but you don’t need to worry, because with the right knowledge and a relaxed state of mind, you can tackle the situation and resume your journey.

In this blog, we bring for you expert advice on how to handle a flat tire, telling you about roadside safety tips, procedure to change the tire, and emergency options.

Flat Tire Roadside Help

Before you start flipping out, you need to remember that the first thing after you realize you have a flat tire is not to panic !

Don’t lose your mind and follow these steps for a safe and fast response:

Looking for a Safe Spot:

As soon as you feel that something is not right, like you just heard a thumping sound or feel that your steering wheel is pulling to one side, immediately turn on the hazard lights and start looking for a safe spot to pull over. And yes, you should stop on a flat surface away from traffic. Avoid stopping on curves, hills.

Stay Visible:

Once you pull over, please keep your hazard lights on. And if it’s dark or there is low visibility then go ahead to set up reflective triangles or flares behind your car to warn oncoming vehicles and drivers. Also it’s safer to exit from the passenger side.

Assess the Damage:

Make sure that the tire is flat and that it is not a different mechanical issue. If the tire looks shredded to you or looks completely deflated, it’s unsafe to drive further.

Call for Roadside Help:

If you don’t know how to change the tire yourself or you don’t have the required tools, you must opt for the services of a roadside assistance company.

Tire Change Assistance

So if you’re planning to change the tire yourself, make sure you have the right tools with you before you take on this task, you don’t want to start the whole process only to realise later that you don’t have the right tools! Tools include a spare tire, a jack and a lug wrench.

Here is how you can try to do it yourself:

Prepare Your Tools:

Get your tool kit and spare tire from your trunk. Some cars come with a tire repair kit which often comes to help in cases of minor puncture.

Loosen the Lug Nuts:

Before lifting the car with the jack, use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turning lug nuts while the tire is still on the ground gives you more leverage.

Lift the Vehicle:

Place the jack under your car at the recommended lifting point. Raise the car until the flat tire is about Six inches off the ground.

Remove the Flat Tire:

Completely unscrew the loosened lug nuts and pull the tire straight off. Place it under the car as a precaution in case the jack slips.

Mount the Spare Tire:

Line up the holes in the spare with the lug bolt pattern, push it into place, and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

Lower and Tighten:

Now carefully lower the vehicle to the ground, then using the wrench fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure. But hey! If you’re not sure about doing this, it’s completely fine to wait for professional tire change assistance.

How to Fix a Flat Tire ?

Depending on the type and extent of the damage you can fix the flat tire.

Here are a few options to consider:

Regular Maintenance to Prevent Flats:

Prevention is better than cure right?So it is smart to check tire pressure monthly, rotate your tires regularly, and inspect them for signs of wear or embedded objects. Because proper maintenance will help prevent sudden blowouts or flat tires.

Inflators and Sealant Cans:

Just like a first aid kit is your damage control measure for immediate help at the time of injury, for many modern vehicles, there is a tire inflator kit that includes a sealant. You attach the hose to the valve stem and inject the sealant, which temporarily seals small punctures and inflates the tire.

Plug and Seal Kits:

If the puncture is caused by a nail or small object and is located on the tread and not the sidewall, you may be able to use a tire plug or sealant. But remember these kits are just quick, temporary fixes that allow you to drive to a nearby tire shop.

Visit a Tire Repair Shop:

After using a plug or sealant, you should always have your tire professionally inspected. Because in many cases, the tire can be permanently patched from the inside, restoring it to safe condition. In case the damage is too severe (e.g., sidewall punctures, large gashes), a replacement is necessary.

Emergency Tire Replacement

Sometimes, a flat tire can’t be fixed, and the only option is a replacement.

This is the case when:

The tire sidewall is damaged.
The tire has multiple punctures.
You’ve kept driving on the flat tire causing internal damage.
The tread is worn out or the tire is aged.

Here’s what to do in such cases:

Temporary Spares Are Not Long-Term Solutions:

Many vehicles come with a compact “donut” spare tire, which is only meant to be driven at low speeds for a short distance. Use it only to reach a repair shop, remember it’s not a permanent fix.

Buy a New Tire:

If you need a new tire, check the size, speed rating, and tread type recommended for your vehicle. Because mismatched tires affect your safety.

Emergency Replacement Services:

If you’re unable to reach a shop, some car service companies offer mobile tire replacement, which means they bring the tire to your location and install it on the spot.

Consider a Tire Warranty:

Some tire manufacturers offer road hazard protection plans that cover the cost of emergency tire replacement. And believe us it’s a good investment if you drive long distances or travel in areas with rough roads. It’s much cheaper than having to get your car towed.

Wrapping Up

With the right tools, a basic knowledge of the process, and access to roadside professional assistance, you can turn an inconvenient situation into a manageable one.

Also maintain your tires regularly and follow good tire damage prevention practices to ensure longer-lasting tires and fewer roadside troubles.

Car Care Assistance provides round-the-clock support which ensures you’re never stranded in times of need, with real-time breakdown assistance available at your fingertips.

You can rely on us to get the flat tire fixed quickly!

With Car Care Assistance, you can drive with confidence knowing help is always just a call away. Check out our different plans and buy one today for your car!