Having a flat tire can make you feel like the world is against you. You could be going to work, or it could be late. That is when having a plan is essential.

In such a troublesome time, you might ask; Who can I call to change a flat tire? Well, for minor problems, you can fix them on your own, but for more complex issues, you need roadside assistance services, as they are fast and know exactly what to do. 

For challenging times like this, let’s know in detail about what you should and shouldn’t do!

Who Can I Call to Change a Flat Tire, And What To Do?

Picture this: you’re driving with the music turned up and your morning coffee in hand when suddenly you hear, thump-thump-thump. Slowing down and stepping out, you realize it’s a flat tire. You may curse yourself, asking: How do you change a flat tire on a car? The good news is that gaining knowledge on the steps needed will assist you in addressing the situation right away. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Pull Over Safely, Don’t Panic 

The first thing you need to deal with it is... nothing. You have a flat tire, and it can be unsettling. In these moments, trying to compose yourself and resolve the issue will do your mind and body wonders.

Make every effort to take a deep breath and keep yourself grounded. Now you need to take off the brakes, keep your eyes peeled towards the roadside, and begin deflating the tire.

Activate Your Hazard Lights and Inspect the Tires 

After securely parking the vehicle, turn on the blinking hazard signal. It serves the purpose of your car saying, “Hey, something isn’t right”. Thereafter, carefully step out of the vehicle and walk around it.

Check the tires; you should easily spot the flat one. It will most likely be sagging, deflated, or completely torn off. Make sure none of the other tires are damaged. Knowing what you are up against helps.

Identify Whether to Fix It Yourself Or Call For Assistance 

Now that the flat tire has been identified, the next step is to evaluate whether you can fix it. If you answer yes, you will need to access the required materials. Having changed a few tires in the past, you should feel confident that you’ll “give it a go”.

However, if things feel too intimidating (it’s nighttime or you’re on the highway, for instance), calling for help is the smarter option. You can contact a mobile tire repair service and wait for them to do their magic. Here you can find more info.

Gather Your Tools Before Getting Started

If you change the tire by yourself, you will require certain items. A jack, a wrench (to turn the nuts), and a spare tire are typically found in your car. Ensure the jack is placed on level and firm ground to prevent the vehicle from moving. Remember that it is easier and safer to loosen the nuts before jacking the car up.

Be Cautious with Your Use of a Spare Tire

While some argue that spare tires are helpful, those that go on long trips do not function the same. Most spares are smaller and cannot withstand high speeds or travel long distances.

You shouldn't exceed 50 mph or drive over 70 miles while using the spare. If the car has a fully sized tire, consider yourself lucky; otherwise, use it like a spare.

If You Don't Have a Spare..

Many new vehicles do not come with spare tires, but they should have a sealant kit or aerosol tire inflator. These are great in an absolute emergency. Just follow the steps that are mentioned on the can.

They usually fill the tire with foam so that you can drive a few miles to a repair shop. Just a note: this is only a temporary solution. It's important to get the proper repair done in due time.

Why You Shouldn't Drive On A Flat Tire?

Simple driving with a flat tire will do more damage than one might assume. It’s not only the tire that gets damaged; it is your entire vehicle, safety, and finances. Let's see what happens when you drive on a flat tire.

The Tire Could Be Damaged for Good

If a tire barely holds any air, it certainly cannot maintain the weight of a car. Of Course, the enormous pressure severely crushes the tire's interior. Internal heat often builds up, resulting in the tire falling apart.

Even if you don’t see the damage on the outside, the interior isn't doing any better. Surgery in the semblance of a “quick fix” turns to complete limb amputation. For the life of the tire, pulling over is the answer.

Your Rims Might Get Dinged, Bent, Or Broken 

If the tire has no air, it is completely flat. This means that your rim, the metal circle that the tire is mounted onto, will also become flat and will need to come into contact with the road. Dents, cracks, or even severe warping are possibilities.

Additionally, it's costly to fix rims, and even more expensive to replace them. Imagine taking off your shoes and strolling on gravel—a disastrous approach for you, per childhood adage. Driving with a flat tire may seem convenient, but maintaining a car’s mobility with a deflated tire quickly adds to costs.

Other Car Parts Might Also Be Damaged 

A flat tire does not stay stationary and remain rigid. The rough external edges of the deflated tire will initiate rotation of the trim. Hence, rubber pieces can come off while blazing around the wheel area.

Agitation of your brake lines, fender, or suspension parts can occur. They are replacing them with components that are designed to be the most critical bits to a vehicle's safety and overall movement capabilities.

It Could Make You Lose Control of the Car 

A flat tire can throw off your car’s balance. You may notice the steering wheel pulling to one side or the ride becoming bumpy and strange. Worse, the vehicle could tip over or skid, particularly if you’re going fast. That makes it hard to steer or stop safely.

During high traffic or bad weather, this is extremely dangerous. The chances of an accident increase at a rapid rate. All of this is caused by trying to save a few minutes on the road.

You’re Putting Yourself and Others at Risk 

Whether the tire is flat or not, you are putting yourself and those around you at risk. If the tire completely disintegrates, the way is bound to go is uncontrolled. If this happens, someone else will likely get hurt, and they will be dragged along with you.

And we have no intention of working on creating more stress. It’s always better to bring your car to a stop rather than pressing the gas pedal to the floor and fixate on solving your problems later on.

How to Prevent Flat Tires in the Future?

Realistically, being stranded on the road due to a flat tire is a situation that no one looks forward to. Beyond being a mood killer, such incidents can prove to be costly. To help maintain your peace of mind while you are on the road, we will go over ways to ensure your tires remain sturdy and well-maintained.

Maintain Tire Pressure 

Every tire comes with a need for air. Not enough can lead to overheating and reduced lifespan, while too much air makes them taut and prone to easier breaks.

Make it a habit to check the pressure at least once a month – the correct amount is typically listed on the inside door of your car or in the manual.

Don't overlook the spare tire; attention to it is beneficial too! Most gas stations have free vacuum air pumps, so checking is fast and easy. That small habit can result in big avoidance of issues down the line.

Avoid Excess Weight 

Your car has a weight limit known as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which can be found in the owner's manual. If you market the trunk or back seat full of gear or heavy passengers, the impact on the tires increases.

That extra weight can stretch the rubber, increasing the chance of a tire blowout. If you’re smart about planning your trips, know your vehicle’s weight limit, and allow some items to be left behind, then the suspension and tires will likely be grateful.

Tire Inspection Using the Tread Depth Checker

Tires, unfortunately, have a lifetime. When they do, they become more vulnerable to issues such as punctures and a lack of grip. You don't require complicated apparatus to verify this. A simple penny will suffice.

Place a penny in the tread, with the ship inverted. If you can see the full sails, the tread is too low. In this case, a tire replacement would be essential. Not only do worn tires lead to potential flats, but they are also life-threatening in the rain and snow.

Be Careful of What You Can't See 

Small glass shards, nails, or sharp stones have an uncanny ability to get stuck in the tread. You may miss them, but the possibility of a flat increases over time. Sometimes, take a casual stroll around your car and check your tires.

If anything rough is visible, do not pull it. This is because it might be keeping the air inside! Instead, you should ask your mechanic if they can patch it.

Troublesome Terrain Tire Rotating 

Different areas bring about different rates and manners of wear and tear on tires, which is why rotation is essential. Most shops rotate tires at every oil change, which is good because they can even notice some damage.

Also, avoid hitting potholes, curbs, and other debris during your trip. If you’re approaching a pothole, remove the brake before reaching it. That helps spread the impact instead of the tire taking all the force alone. While minor, it has a substantial effect.

Bottom Line

Keeping flat tires at bay is achievable through good driving habits, alertness, and consistent maintenance. So, now that you know who can I call to change a flat tire​, remember the basics like paying attention to your tire pressure, vehicle overload, and tire tread regularly, monthly at the very least.

A little care helps to lower the chances of blowouts while advancing tire life. Remember, you can keep yourself safe on the road while ensuring your tires aren’t in the trash. Last but not least, preventive attention enables one to manage easily in this day and age.