What to Do If You Get a Flat Tire

If you’ve ever experienced a flat tire, you know it is a huge inconvenience. You were having a perfectly fine day and then suddenly you’re faced with a flat tire and you don’t know what to do. First thing’s first – stop driving! Driving on a flat tire can cause internal structural damage to the tire, may lead to wheel and vehicle damage, and could even result in an accident due to poor vehicle handling and control. At Mile’s Towing Service, we never want an inconvenience to lead to more serious damage, so today we’re spelling out exactly what you should do in the case of a flat tire.

1. What Causes a Flat Tire?

First, you need to understand what causes flat tires so you can do your best to avoid them. Most often, flat tires are cause by either a puncture, tire failure, damage to the valve system, excessive wear and tear, separation of tire and rim, or a blowout due to tire over- or under-inflation. While a puncture or tire failure can't always be avoided, the majority of tire issues can be avoided by making sure your vehicle is well-maintained.

2. How Will I Know It's Flat?

Most of the time, a flat tire is a hard thing to miss. Look out for difficulty accelerating, a dragging feeling on the affected side of the car, a popping or leaking sound, or inaccurate or delayed handling when changing lanes, going around curves or turning. If you feel any of these signs, pull over immediately and check on your tires.

3. What Should I Do?

Once you're safely out of traffic and you're sure you have a flat, turn on your hazard lights and prepare to change your tire. You will need a car jack, tire wrench, and of course, your spare tire. If you aren't not capable of changing your own tire, call the professional staff at Miles Towing! We can come to you anywhere in the Philadelphia area.

Since 2013, we’ve been helping drivers throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey with tire changes, jumpstarts, and more. Contact us today at (215) 783-6919 for roadside assistance solutions.