Are You Ready for a Flat Tire?

A flat tire can quickly bring a summer road trip to a stop. A sharp object, worn tread, or deep pothole may leave a driver stranded far from home, making it important to check the vehicle and emergency supplies before pulling out of the driveway.

Preparation begins by determining whether the vehicle has a spare tire.

Many cars carry a spare beneath the trunk floor, under the vehicle, or behind an exterior panel. Some newer vehicles do not include one and instead come with a repair kit or other temporary solution.

Drivers should locate the spare or repair equipment before a trip rather than trying to find it for the first time on the side of the road. The owner’s manual should explain where the equipment is stored and how it is meant to be used.

For vehicles with a spare tire, the first step is making sure it is properly inflated. Spare tires can lose pressure when left unused, and a flat spare will not be much help in an emergency.

Drivers should check the recommended pressure listed on the tire or in the owner’s manual. A portable air compressor can also be useful for maintaining tire pressure during a trip.

A jack is needed to lift the vehicle, while a lug wrench is used to loosen and tighten the wheel’s lug nuts. Both tools should fit the vehicle and remain in good working condition.

Wheel chocks can help prevent the vehicle from rolling while a tire is being changed. A sturdy block may serve a similar purpose in some situations, but equipment designed for the task is a safer choice.

Before leaving home, drivers may want to practice locating the vehicle’s approved lifting points. Placing a jack in the wrong location can damage the vehicle or make it unstable.

The owner’s manual should be followed closely, as tire-changing procedures vary by vehicle.

Location is another major safety concern. A tire should only be changed when the vehicle can be moved completely away from traffic and parked on firm, level ground.

Drivers should turn on hazard lights, set the parking brake, and place the vehicle in park. Passengers should wait in a safe location away from moving traffic whenever possible.

Changing a tire along a narrow shoulder, curve, or busy highway can be dangerous. In those situations, it may be safer to remain in a protected location and call for roadside assistance.

Some vehicles are sold without a spare tire. They may include a tire repair kit containing sealant and a small air compressor.

These kits are designed as temporary solutions for certain types of punctures. The sealant may be able to close a small leak in the tire’s tread long enough for the driver to reach a repair shop.

Repair kits will not fix every problem. They may not work on large punctures, damaged sidewalls, tires that have separated from the wheel or wheels damaged by a hard impact.

Drivers should read the kit instructions in advance and check the sealant’s expiration date. Replacement sealant may be needed even if the kit has never been used.

After using a temporary repair product, the driver should follow the kit’s speed and distance limits. The tire should be inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.

Run-flat tires may allow some vehicles to continue traveling for a limited distance after losing pressure. They also have restrictions, so drivers should check the owner’s manual and avoid assuming the vehicle can continue normally.

Visibility supplies belong in every roadside emergency kit.

A headlamp allows a driver to keep both hands free while inspecting a tire or using tools at night. A flashlight with fresh batteries can serve as a backup.

Reflective warning triangles, road flares, or flashing emergency lights can make a stopped vehicle easier for other drivers to see. These items should be placed only when it is safe to leave the vehicle.

A reflective vest can provide additional visibility, especially in darkness, rain, or fog.

Work gloves can protect hands from dirt, sharp edges, and hot vehicle parts. A kneeling pad or folded towel may also make the job more manageable on rough pavement.

Other useful supplies include a tire-pressure gauge, portable phone charger, drinking water, basic first-aid kit, and emergency contact information.

Drivers should inspect all four tires before a long trip. Warning signs may include low pressure, cracks, bulges, uneven wear, or tread that has become too shallow.

A tire-pressure warning light should not be ignored. Pressure can change as temperatures rise or fall, and an underinflated tire may handle poorly, wear faster, or overheat.

Tires should be checked when they are cool and inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The correct figure is often listed on a label inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.

The number printed on the tire’s sidewall is generally not the same as the vehicle’s recommended everyday pressure.

Roadside assistance can provide additional peace of mind, especially for travelers who are uncomfortable changing a tire or who will be driving through unfamiliar areas.

Before leaving, drivers should confirm what their plan covers, how to request help, and whether service is available along the planned route. Insurance companies, vehicle manufacturers, motor clubs, and some credit card programs may offer assistance.

Cellphone coverage may be limited in rural or mountainous areas. Keeping written emergency numbers and sharing the travel route with someone at home can be helpful.

No driver should risk personal safety to save time. If a vehicle stops in a dangerous location, help from law enforcement, highway crews, or a roadside service may be the safest choice.

A few minutes spent checking the spare tire, tools, and emergency supplies before a summer trip can prevent added stress later. The goal is not simply to be ready to change a tire, but to know when it is safe to do so and when it is better to call for help.