Knowing how to change a flat tire is a valuable skill for any driver. However, a recent survey revealed that only 40% of the respondents were confident of their ability to replace tires. Even if you possess this skill, in some circumstances, it’s still better to call a towing service instead.  

When to Call a Towing Service for a Flat Tire

1. Hazardous Location or Conditions

Flat tires can happen anywhere. If you get a flat somewhere you don’t feel at ease, such as in an unfamiliar neighborhood, it might be safer for you to call a towing service. Instead of spending time outside the security of your car to change the flat tire, having your vehicle brought to an auto repair shop is a much safer and more convenient option.

2. Unavailable Spare

Without a spare tire on hand, you’ll have little choice but to call a towing service over a flat tire. Some manufacturers no longer include a spare to reduce weight and improve the fuel economy of their vehicles. More often, however, the car owner simply forgets to put the spare back or neglects it to the point where it becomes unusable. If the spare is underinflated or damaged, you should have your vehicle towed instead of risking your safety by using it.

3. Lack of Tools

A serviceable spare and an ideal location to change the flat tire are useless if you don’t have the proper tools to do the job. You will need a car jack to lift the vehicle and a tire wrench to loosen the nuts so that you can remove the flat and switch in the spare. Without these two tools, you’ll almost certainly need to call for a towing service.

If you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire, trust the expert technicians at Discount Towing & Recovery in Mountain Home, AR, to provide prompt and reliable roadside assistance. Aside from towing, this company also offers jump-start, lockout, and fuel delivery services. Call (870) 425-1775, or visit their website to learn how they can assist you.