How to Handle a Flat Tire on the Road: A Simple Safety Guide

Getting a flat tire while driving can be frustrating—and even dangerous if you're unprepared. Whether you’re on a quiet street or a busy highway, knowing what to do next is crucial for your safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing a tire safely and knowing when to call for professional help.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Pull Over Safely

🚨 The first thing to do is stay calm and slowly reduce speed. Look for a safe place to pull over, preferably:✔ A flat, straight stretch of road✔ A parking lot or wide shoulder✔ Away from curves, traffic, and hills

Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you’re on a busy road, stay as far from traffic as possible.

Step 2: Secure Your Vehicle

✔ Turn off the engine✔ Engage the parking brake✔ Place the car in "Park" (or in gear if it's a manual)✔ If available, use wheel wedges or blocks to keep the car from rolling

Pro Tip: Keep a reflective vest and triangle in your car to increase your visibility, especially at night.

Step 3: Gather Your Tools

🧰 You’ll need the following items from your car:

• Spare tire (check it’s inflated and in good condition)

• Jack

• Lug wrench

• Wheel wedges (if available)

• Owner’s manual

Step 4: Loosen the Lug Nuts (Before Jacking Up the Car)

Use the lug wrench to turn the lug nuts counterclockwise just enough to break their resistance—but don’t remove them yet.

🔧 This step is easier while the tire is still touching the ground.

Step 5: Jack Up the Vehicle

Find the correct jacking point (check your owner’s manual) and carefully raise the car until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground.

🔺 Always place the jack on a stable, level surface.

Step 6: Remove the Flat Tire

Now fully unscrew the loosened lug nuts and remove the flat tire. Place the nuts somewhere safe—you’ll need them again shortly.

Step 7: Mount the Spare Tire

Line up the holes in the spare tire with the wheel bolts. Slide the tire on and screw the lug nuts back in by hand, tightening them just enough to hold the tire in place.

Step 8: Lower the Vehicle and Tighten the Lug Nuts

Carefully lower your car until the spare just touches the ground. Then use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts fully, working in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.

Step 9: Check the Tire Pressure

If you have a tire pressure gauge, check that the spare is properly inflated (usually around 60 PSI for space-saver spares).

If it’s low, drive slowly to the nearest petrol station or service centre.

When to Call for Assistance Instead

Sometimes, changing a tire yourself isn’t safe or practical. Call for help if:❌ You’re on a busy or dangerous road❌ You’re missing a tool or have a damaged spare❌ It’s dark, raining heavily, or visibility is poor❌ You don’t feel confident or physically able to change it

🚨 In these situations, it’s always better to call roadside assistance or a professional recovery service like ASTI Recovery.

Final Tips for Tire Safety

✔ Check your spare tire regularly✔ Know where your tools are kept✔ Keep a flashlight and gloves in your car✔ Replace temporary spares with a full tire as soon as possible

Conclusion: Be Prepared and Stay Safe

A flat tire doesn’t have to ruin your day—if you’re prepared and know what to do. Whether you handle it yourself or call for professional help, your safety is the top priority.

🚗 Need help on the road? Contact ASTI Recovery for quick, safe, and reliable roadside assistance anytime.