How to Handle a Flat Tire: A Beginner’s Guide

Getting a flat tire is one of the most common roadside emergencies, but if you’ve never dealt with one before, it can be intimidating. Knowing what to do when your tire suddenly loses air can keep you safe and get you back on the road quickly.

At Brady’s Towing and Roadside Assistance, we help drivers with flat tires all the time. Whether you want to learn how to change a tire yourself or just be prepared for an emergency, this beginner’s guide will walk you through how to handle a flat tire step by step.

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Step 1: Stay Calm and Pull Over Safely

If you hear a loud pop, feel your car pulling to one side, or notice a rough ride, you might have a flat tire. Here’s what to do:

✔ Slow down gradually – Don’t slam on the brakes. Gently ease off the gas and slow down.
✔ Turn on your hazard lights – This alerts other drivers that you’re having car trouble.
✔ Find a safe place to pull over – Look for a flat, level surface away from traffic, like a parking lot or the shoulder of the road. Avoid stopping on curves or narrow roads.
✔ Use your parking brake – This adds stability while you change the tire.

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Step 2: Check the Damage

Once you’re safely stopped, inspect your tire to see if it’s completely flat or just low on air.

✔ Completely flat or damaged? You’ll need to change it or call for roadside assistance.
✔ Slow air leak? If you have a portable tire inflator, you might be able to pump it up enough to reach a tire shop.

If you’re unsure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and replace the tire or call for help.

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Step 3: Gather Your Tools

If you decide to change the tire yourself, you’ll need:

✔ Spare tire (Check if your car has one!)
✔ Car jack
✔ Lug wrench
✔ Wheel wedges (to prevent rolling)
✔ Flashlight (if it’s dark)

Pro Tip: Check your spare tire regularly to make sure it’s properly inflated. A flat spare won’t do you any good in an emergency!

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Step 4: Change the Tire (If You Feel Comfortable)

Follow these steps to safely change your flat tire:

1. Loosen the lug nuts – Before jacking up the car, use the lug wrench to turn the lug nuts counterclockwise until they’re loose (but don’t remove them yet).
2. Position the jack – Place the jack under your car’s jack point (check your owner’s manual for the exact location).
3. Lift the car – Raise the vehicle just enough so the flat tire is off the ground.
4. Remove the lug nuts and the flat tire – Take off the loosened lug nuts and carefully pull off the tire.
5. Mount the spare tire – Line up the holes and slide the spare tire onto the wheel bolts.
6. Hand-tighten the lug nuts – Turn the lug nuts clockwise by hand as tightly as possible.
7. Lower the car – Use the jack to slowly bring the car back down to the ground.
8. Fully tighten the lug nuts – Use the lug wrench to tighten each lug nut in a crisscross pattern for even pressure.

Important: Spare tires (especially compact “donut” spares) are only meant for short-term use. Drive to a tire shop as soon as possible to get a full replacement.

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Step 5: Call for Help If You Need It

If you’re in a dangerous location, don’t have the right tools, or just don’t feel comfortable changing a tire yourself, call for roadside assistance.

✔ Brady’s Towing and Roadside Assistance can change your flat tire, bring air to reinflate a slow leak, or tow your car to a tire shop if needed.

Safety Tip: If you’re on a busy highway or in bad weather, stay inside your vehicle while waiting for help. Never stand too close to moving traffic.

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Final Thoughts

A flat tire can be a stressful experience, but knowing what to do ahead of time makes it much easier to handle. Stay calm, pull over safely, and decide whether to change it yourself or call for assistance.

And remember, if you ever need help, Brady’s Towing and Roadside Assistance is just a call away!

Need roadside assistance now? Contact us today!