What to do if you get a flat tire on the highway

If a tire goes flat while you're driving, keep a firm grip on the wheel with both hands, ease off the gas slowly, and steer straight until the car settles. Once it's stable, move to the right shoulder, turn on your hazard lights, and get safe before you think about the tire.

While the tire is failing

The goal is to keep the vehicle balanced. NHTSA says that slamming on the brakes or lifting your foot off the accelerator abruptly can make you lose control. Instead:

• Hold the steering wheel with both hands.
• Keep your speed steady if it's safe to do so, then gradually release the accelerator.
• Make small steering corrections. Look where you want the car to go and steer that way.
• When the vehicle has stabilized, keep slowing down and pull off the road when you judge it's safe.

Don't panic if the car pulls to one side or makes a flapping noise. That's normal with a flat, and a calm response helps.

Once you're stopped: safety first

Follow these steps in this order:

• Get to safety. Park as far from the traffic lanes as you can. The Texas Department of Public Safety advises the right shoulder if there is one. If there isn't, look for a well-lit side street or a parking lot away from heavy traffic.
• Turn on your emergency lights. Set the parking brake and put the car in park. DPS also suggests turning on the interior dome light at night.
• Call 911 if there is danger or anyone is hurt. For example, if you can't get out of the traffic lane, or if someone needs medical help.
• Then call for a tow or roadside help.

When you get out, use the passenger-side door, away from traffic. DPS also suggests opening the hood so other drivers can see that you have a problem. Stand well away from the lanes, ideally behind a barrier or guardrail, if there's one nearby.

Should you change the tire yourself?

Not always. A highway shoulder is a tight place to work, with cars passing close by. Consider calling for help if:

• The shoulder is narrow, sloped, or soft.
• Traffic is heavy or fast, or it's dark or raining.
• You don't have a spare, a jack, or a lug wrench, or you aren't sure how to use them.
• The spare is also flat or looks old. NHTSA notes that spare tires age because they rarely get replaced.
• You'd have to stand on the traffic side of the car.

If you decide to change it, find level, firm ground and read your owner's manual first. Your manual is the best guide for where the jack goes on your specific vehicle.

Can the tire be repaired?

Sometimes. According to NHTSA's tire safety guide, small punctures in the tread can be repaired if they aren't too large, but sidewall punctures should not be repaired. A proper repair requires removing the tire from the rim so it can be inspected inside. A shop should make that call, not a roadside plug.

Avoid the next flat

• Check your tire pressure monthly. NHTSA recommends monthly checks of inflation, tread wear, and damage.
• Pay attention to your tire pressure warning light. On passenger cars, light trucks, and vans of model year 2008 or newer, it means at least one tire is already significantly underinflated.
• Look at your spare once in a while, too.
• Don't carry more weight than your tires and vehicle are rated for. NHTSA lists underinflation and overloading as major causes of tire failure.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving on a flat tire to the next exit?

It's best not to go far. Driving on a flat can damage the tire beyond repair and the wheel as well. Move to a safe spot off the road, then decide whether to change the tire or call for help.

Where do I find the correct tire pressure for my car?

On the tire information placard, usually on the driver's door jamb, and in your owner's manual. NHTSA says these list the recommended pressure and load limits.

What if my spare is a small "donut" tire?

Check your owner's manual for the speed and distance limits that apply to it. A temporary spare is meant to get you to a shop, not to replace a regular tire.

When you need a hand

HHR Towing is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays, across North Texas. If you're stuck with a flat, we offer roadside assistance and light-duty towing for cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans up to 12,000 pounds. The person who answers the phone is the same person who shows up with the truck. Call (214) 735-7744 or send us a message from our contact page.