3 Tips When You Get A Flat Tire But Don't Have A Spare
Posted on: 22 October 2017
Maybe you already used your spare tire and forgot to replace it, or perhaps you have a newer model vehicle that didn't come with a spare tire. In any case, getting a flat tire when you have no way to change it doesn't have to be stressful. Just follow these tips for dealing with a flat tire when you don't have a spare tire available:
Get Safely Off the Road
Instead of stopping in the middle of the road when you notice your tire has gone flat, it's important to get safely off the road. This may mean exiting the highway, pulling over onto a shoulder, or parking alongside a curb or in a parking lot, depending on where your flat occurs.
You can technically drive for several hundred yards on a flat tire, as long as you drive at low speeds, which should give you enough time to find a safe parking space. If you are pulled over on the side of the road or the shoulder of the highway, put on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your presence. It is safest to stay inside your vehicle.
Call a Reputable Tow Truck Company
If you subscribe to a roadside assistance service, you will want to call them. They will send a tow truck company to come pick up you and your car and bring you to the nearby tire shop of your choice. If you do not have roadside assistance, you will need to call your own tow truck to come get you. It's a good idea to research tow truck companies in your area, and have a few reputable ones saved in your phone before you are ever in this situation.
Consider Upgrading Your Tires
Simply put, the higher quality your tires, the less chance of a flat tire. Upgrading to sturdier tires that last longer and have thicker tread will keep you safe on the road, and your investment will repay itself since you won't need to buy tires again anytime soon.
One specific option is to upgrade to "run-flat tires" which are designed specifically to allow you to keep driving safely even on a flat tire until you have a chance to pull over and have it changed. This may be an especially wise choice if you live in an area with tons of potholes.
Remaining calm and collected and following these tips will get you through this minor roadside emergency with minimal stress. Contact a company like Mr Wrecker for more information.
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