A flat tire can happen at any moment, whether your car is parked in your driveway or you’re on the road. If you’ve never dealt with a flat tire before and don’t know how to change it, you’ll need to call for roadside assistance. Here are the steps to take to keep you and your passengers safe until help arrives. 

What to Do When You Get a Flat Tire While Driving

1. Pull Over

When your tire goes flat, it can be difficult to control your vehicle. Slow down gradually instead of slamming on the brakes. Stopping quickly will take drivers behind you by surprise, potentially leading to a fender bender. Also, driving on only three good tires reduces your traction, so you’ll need to brake longer to stop. Pull to the right as soon as possible. If you need to keep driving for a few minutes, put on your flashers and drive slowly until you find a safe place to pull over.

2. Get Help

Once parked, put on your hazard lights if you haven’t already. If you have roadside assistance, call them; otherwise, contact a local repair shop to tow you or change your tire on the road. If you don’t have a cell phone, you may need to put on your flashers and wait. In a well-traveled area, a police officer will usually stop by to help. Check your trunk for orange cones, flares, or other warning devices to place behind your car to alert other drivers and possible responders of your trouble.

3. Stay in Your Vehicle

If you’re by the side of a busy road and there’s a safe place nearby like a gas station or restaurant, leave your vehicle and wait there. You can also wait in the grass away from the road. Never stand behind or around your car because you could be struck by another vehicle. If there’s nowhere safe to wait, stay inside the car with your seatbelt fastened.

When you have a flat tire or other vehicle troubles, contact AutoTech in Kealakekua, HI, for assistance. From diagnostics to transmission service to quick jobs like flat tire replacement, their ASE-certified technicians will provide reliable repairs as they have for over 14 years. Call (808) 322-8881 or send a message online to schedule a repair appointment.