Guide · 5 min read
Flat Tire: What to Do on the Roadside
Slow down gradually, get out of traffic and decide whether you can safely change the tire or should call for help.
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By MyTowPublished 5 min read
Key takeaways
- Do not brake hard or swerve: ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel firmly and steer to the shoulder.
- Only change a tire on firm, level ground well away from traffic; otherwise request help.
- A compact spare is a temporary fix: check the speed and distance limits on its sidewall.
- If the sidewall is damaged and there is no usable spare, a flatbed tow is the safe option.
When the tire goes
A sudden pull, thumping or loud flapping noise usually means a flat. Keep a firm grip on the wheel, ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking or sudden steering. Signal and move gradually toward the shoulder or the nearest safe place.
Choose a safe place to stop
- Use hazard lights as soon as you realize something is wrong
- Pick firm, level ground away from traffic if you can
- On a highway, a long shoulder or exit ramp is better than stopping in a lane
- Stay buckled in and call for help if you cannot get fully off the road
Should you change the tire yourself?
Changing a tire next to a busy road is risky. If you are on a highway shoulder, on a hill or soft ground, or in bad weather, requesting roadside help is the safer choice. If anyone is injured, there is a fire or smoke, or the vehicle blocks a live lane, call 911 first.
If you are in a quiet, level, safe spot and you have a usable spare, a jack and the wheel lock key, you can change the tire yourself.
Changing the tire: the basic steps
- Apply the parking brake and put the vehicle in Park or in gear
- Loosen the lug nuts slightly before jacking, while the tire is on the ground
- Place the jack at the manufacturer's lift point and raise the vehicle
- Remove the lug nuts and the flat, mount the spare and hand-tighten the nuts
- Lower the vehicle and tighten the nuts in a star pattern
- Re-check lug nut tightness after a short drive
Spare tire limits
Many compact spares are temporary: they have speed and distance limits marked on the sidewall and the vehicle's manual. Drive straight to a tire shop and avoid highway speeds if the limits say so.
When you need more than a spare
In these cases request a flatbed tow, or flat tire service where it applies. Dispatch will confirm what fits.
- The sidewall is cut or blown rather than just flat
- There is no spare, or the spare is also flat
- The wheel is damaged or the lug nuts are seized or locked without the key
- You do not feel safe where you have stopped
Prepare now for next time
- Check the spare's pressure every few months
- Keep the jack, lug wrench and wheel lock key in the vehicle
- Know where your vehicle's jacking points are
- Keep a reflective vest and a flashlight in the trunk
Common problems and solutions
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Flat tire with a good spare in a safe spot | Change the tire in a star pattern, then re-check the lug nuts after a short drive. |
| Flat on a busy highway shoulder | Stay away from traffic, hazards on, and request roadside help instead of changing it yourself. |
| Sidewall blown and no usable spare | Request a flatbed tow to a tire shop. |
| Locked lug nuts and no key | Request roadside help; the operator can assess the wheel and decide on a tow if needed. |
| Spare is also flat | Request flat tire service or a tow, depending on the situation. |
Need towing or roadside help now?
Depending on your situation, explore flat tire change, flatbed towing or roadside assistance. MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
Review towing and roadside assistance pricing factors, how MyTow’s online request process works and roadside safety tips.
This guide is general information, not legal or mechanical advice. In an emergency, call 911.
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Questions and answers
Can I drive on a flat tire to get to safety?
Only for a very short distance at low speed to leave live traffic, and only if it is safer than stopping. Driving further can wreck the tire and damage the wheel.
How long can I drive on a spare tire?
It depends on the spare. Compact spares are temporary and the sidewall and manual list speed and distance limits. Drive straight to a tire shop.
Do I need a jack to change a tire?
Yes, and a lug wrench and usually a wheel lock key. Keep them in the vehicle and know where the lift points are.
What if I do not have a spare?
Request a flatbed tow to a tire shop. Some vehicles carry a repair kit instead of a spare; follow the manual for its limits.
Is it safe to change a tire on the highway shoulder?
It is risky. If you are close to traffic, request roadside help and wait somewhere safe, away from the vehicle where possible.
What is "Flat Tire: What to Do on the Roadside" about?
Slow down gradually, get out of traffic and decide whether you can safely change the tire or should call for help.
What are the key points in "Flat Tire: What to Do on the Roadside"?
Do not brake hard or swerve: ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel firmly and steer to the shoulder. Only change a tire on firm, level ground well away from traffic; otherwise request help. A compact spare is a temporary fix: check the speed and distance limits on its sidewall. If the sidewall is damaged and there is no usable spare, a flatbed tow is the safe option.
When should I call 911 instead of requesting a tow?
If anyone is injured, there is a fire, or your vehicle is blocking a live lane, call 911 first. Request a tow once everyone is safe.
Which MyTow services relate to this guide?
flat tire change, flatbed towing, roadside assistance. Each has its own page with details, coverage and pricing factors.
How do I request help from MyTow?
Open the MyTow digital app at https://app.mytow.ca/request or call dispatch at (647) 633-8885. MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
Request towing or roadside help with MyTow
MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
