When roadside tire assistance may help
A tire change can help when a vehicle has a flat or damaged tire and carries a usable spare, wheel-lock key when required, and the manufacturer-supplied equipment or another suitable setup. If there is no usable spare or the wheel, suspension, or hub is damaged, towing may be needed instead.
What to tell dispatch
- Street, highway direction, exit, or map pin
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Which tire is damaged
- Whether a properly inflated spare is available
- Whether a wheel-lock key is available
- Whether the vehicle is on level, stable ground
- Any collision, wheel, suspension, or brake damage
Traffic and ground conditions matter
Changing a tire next to fast traffic, on a narrow shoulder, soft ground, or a steep slope may be unsafe. Move away from traffic if possible and call 911 when the vehicle creates an immediate road hazard.
A temporary spare has limits
Many spare tires have speed, distance, and load limitations. Follow the vehicle and tire manufacturer’s instructions and arrange proper tire service as soon as practical.