What to do when you have a flat tire

A flat changes your priorities quickly. The first goal is a safe stopping place, not saving a tire or making it to your destination.

Get clear of moving traffic if you can

Avoid abrupt inputs. Slow down in a controlled way and stop as safely as circumstances allow. Turn on your hazard lights. If you are in immediate danger, blocking a hazardous location, or involved in a collision, contact emergency services.

Do not turn the shoulder into a workshop

A narrow shoulder, soft ground, or poor visibility can make a wheel change unsafe. Let the service provider know the conditions. Stay out of traffic and follow the instructions of emergency responders. The safest place to wait depends on the location.

Send a dispatch-ready location

Share the road and direction, nearest exit or cross street, a dropped pin if possible, and the vehicle description. Include whether the affected tire is front or rear and whether there is room to reach it.

Be candid about what happened

Tell us how far the tire was driven after losing pressure, whether you struck something, and whether you added sealant. That information helps the eventual inspection. For urgent assistance, call or text rather than waiting on an email form.