Flat tire: spare tire or tow truck?
What to check before requesting roadside tire help.
Tell dispatch what you have
Let us know which tire is damaged and whether your vehicle has a usable spare. Mention missing wheel-lock keys, a damaged wheel, or multiple flat tires. Do not assume every vehicle has a spare.
A safe place matters
Roadside tire service depends on a safe working location and suitable equipment. If the vehicle cannot be serviced safely where it is stopped, or the spare is unsuitable, discuss towing with dispatch. Avoid attempting repairs next to moving traffic.
Check the spare before you need it
NHTSA advises checking tire pressure, including the spare, monthly when tires are cold. Use the pressure specified for the tire in your vehicle’s instructions or placard. Inspect the spare’s condition as part of routine maintenance.
After the tire change
Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s limits for the installed spare. A temporary spare is not a permanent repair. Ask a repair facility to inspect the damaged tire and wheel before returning them to service.
Further reading
AI tools assisted in preparing this guide. It is general information, not a vehicle diagnosis or a substitute for manufacturer instructions or dispatch advice. AI & automation disclosure