You’ve Got A Flat Tire: Do You Need Towing?

A flat tire can seriously ruin your day. Whether you’re on your way to work or setting out on a road trip, a flat tire can hurt your good mood — and your bank account.

When you get a flat, your first instinct may be to fish out your spare and jack, but is that what you should do in every scenario?

What Not to Do

Whatever you do, if your car is in a precarious location, such as on the side of the freeway, do not attempt to change a flat tire on your own. It’s hard for oncoming motorists to see you, and almost 5,000 pedestrians died in 2014 — you don’t want to become a statistic.

Even if you have a tire repair kit that you believe will make for a fast repair, don’t take a chance. Focus on safety, because being late isn’t worth risking your life.

You should also never drive on a flat tire. This will not only make the tire completely unsalvageable, but it could damage your car as well, compounding the costs involved. As soon as you realize the tire is flat, pull over to the side of the road. Try to position your car as far to the right as possible.

Your Best Option

No matter where you are when you get a flat tire, your best choice is to call for towing. So many issues can come up when you try to change your tire on your own. The lug nuts may get stuck, or the spare may turn out to be flat as well.

If you want to save time, call a tow truck and get your tire repaired at a reputable auto shop instead of on the side of the road. If you call a good towing service, they may be able to change your tire for you. If not, they can quickly tow you and your vehicle to safety.

Second Choice

If you can’t find a towing service fast enough, call roadside assistance and see if they can get your tire patched or your spare put on securely. If this plan is a success, don’t try to continue driving and leave your tire repair for later — go directly to a repair shop, or you could end up in the same situation later on that day.

Know Your Car

Make sure you have a fully inflated spare before you set out on a long road trip, or even before you drive around town. If you have a newer model car, don’t assume a spare is included — many manufacturers are no longer including spare tires, so they can cut down on the weight of the vehicle and increase gas mileage.

With Stauffer’s Towing, you and your vehicle will be in capable, skilled hands. Call any time, around the clock, for all flat tires or any emergencies.