A flat tire is never convenient, but knowing the right steps before it happens makes a big difference. Having the proper equipment and a plan keeps you safer when it counts.
The best time to prepare for a flat tire is before one happens. Start by confirming your vehicle actually has a spare — some newer models come with a temporary inflator kit instead of a physical spare tire. If you do have a spare, check its pressure periodically so it's ready to use when needed. You'll also want a car jack, lug wrench, and a set of wheel wedges. Keep these in your trunk at all times, along with a reflective triangle or road flares for visibility if you're ever on the shoulder of a busy road.
When a flat occurs, activate your hazard lights immediately and steer your vehicle carefully to the nearest safe, flat surface away from traffic. Never try to change a tire on a highway on-ramp or in a lane. Once stopped, apply the parking brake and place wheel wedges against the tires that aren't being changed. Loosen each lug nut while the flat tire is still on the ground — not after jacking — to prevent the wheel from spinning. Position the jack under the vehicle's jack point (check your owner's manual), raise the vehicle until the flat is several inches off the ground, remove the lug nuts fully, swap in the spare, and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern before lowering the car. Finish tightening once the weight is back on the tire.
A compact or temporary spare is designed for short-distance, low-speed use only — typically no more than 50 mph and for no more than 50 to 70 miles. Drive directly to a tire shop to have the original tire inspected and either repaired or replaced. Have the lug nuts re-torqued within 50 miles after the change, as they can loosen slightly after the wheel seats in. If your vehicle uses run-flat tires, you may be able to drive to a service facility without changing, but these tires must still be professionally evaluated after any significant loss of pressure.
