Anyone can get a flat tire, no matter what kind of vehicle you drive. You might be driving when you suddenly hear a thump or notice the steering wheel pulling. After pulling over and spotting the flat, you have two main options: change the tire yourself with your own tools or call roadside assistance to handle it for you.
Deciding what to do depends on factors such as the time of day, the weather, where you are, and how comfortable you feel. This guide explains both options for handling a flat tire. We’ll go over what you need, how safe each choice is, and what it might cost.
What You Need for a DIY Flat Tire Change?
Flat tire change requires a few basic tools if you plan to do it yourself. Most cars include a spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench, so check your trunk to see what’s there. Some newer cars have only a tire repair kit and an air pump instead of a spare tire. If you don’t have a spare, you can’t do a DIY tire change. You’ll need a full-size spare or at least a donut that holds air, and make sure it’s properly inflated. It also helps to have a flashlight, work gloves, and a reflective safety vest. Using a wheel chock or a heavy block can keep your car from rolling. These small steps help prevent injuries.
Also Read: DIY Jump Start vs Professional Jump Start Services: Pros and Cons
Basic Steps for Changing a Tire Yourself
Here are the basic steps for a safe tire change when you do it yourself:
- Find a level, solid spot away from moving traffic.
- Turn on your hazard lights and set the parking brake.
- Place wheel chocks behind the tire that is diagonal from the flat one.
- Loosen the lug nuts a little while the tire is still on the ground.
- Put the jack under the correct lift point shown in your owner’s manual.
- Raise the car until the flat tire is fully off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts the rest of the way and pull the flat tire off.
- Mount the spare tire and tighten the lug nuts by hand.
- Lower the car so the spare touches the ground, and tighten the nuts in a star pattern.
- Lower the car completely and give each nut one more firm pull.
Changing a flat tire might seem simple, but tight lug nuts, an unsteady jack, or a dirty roadside can make the job much more difficult.
The Risks of a Do-It-Yourself Tire Change
Safety is the main concern when changing a tire on the roadside. Passing cars can come very close, and even with your hazard lights on, drivers might not notice you until the last second.
If the ground is soft or sloped, the jack could tip, causing the car to fall, which can be very dangerous. Rusty or over-tightened lug nuts are tough to loosen and could lead to pulled muscles or stripped nuts.
Harsh weather, like rain, snow, or extreme heat, makes things harder. If you have health issues, such as a bad back or heart problems, lifting and pulling a tire can be risky. So, doing it yourself isn’t always the safest choice.
Also Read: How Weather Impacts Towing Services in NYC
Benefits of Professional Roadside Assistance
If you call for roadside help, a trained professional will come to you. They use a sturdy floor jack, which is safer than the small jack most cars have. They also have an impact wrench to quickly remove lug nuts, and their truck’s flashing lights warn other drivers from a distance. This makes changing your flat tire safer and faster. The technician knows exactly where to place the jack and how to avoid damaging your car.
Many roadside assistance plans also include towing if you don’t have a spare or if your spare is flat. They can even take your car to a repair shop if needed, so you get a complete solution instead of just a temporary fix.
Also Read: The Benefits of Having a Roadside Assistance Plan
Cost and Time: DIY vs Calling a Pro
Changing a flat tire yourself doesn’t cost anything right away if you already have the tools. However, if you damage a lug nut, bend the jack point, or get injured, repair and medical bills can add up. Calling a service usually costs between $75 and $150 for a one-time call. If you have roadside coverage through your insurance, cell phone plan, or an auto club, you might pay little or nothing out of pocket.
Time is another factor to consider. Changing a tire yourself can take at least 30 minutes if everything goes smoothly, but if you run into stuck nuts or a soft shoulder, it could take an hour. A professional can usually arrive in 20 to 30 minutes and finish the job in about 10 minutes, so the total time may be similar.
When DIY Flat Tire Change Works Well?
Changing the tire yourself can be a good choice in some cases. Here is when it makes sense:
- You are in a safe, flat place like a parking lot or your driveway, not a busy road.
- The weather is clear, and there is plenty of daylight.
- You have all the necessary tools, and the spare has good air in it.
- You are healthy enough to lift the tire and loosen tough lug nuts.
- You have done it before and feel sure about each step.
When to Call for Professional Roadside Help?
Other times, calling a pro is the smarter move. Consider getting help if:
- You are on a highway, a narrow shoulder, or a blind curve where traffic is fast and close.
- It is dark, rainy, snowy, or very hot outside.
- The car does not have a spare, or the spare itself is flat.
- You have a physical limit that makes heavy work risky.
- The lug nuts are stuck, and you cannot loosen them even with your full weight.
- You simply do not feel safe or sure about trying it.
What About Cars Without a Spare Tire?
Some newer cars don’t include a spare tire. Instead, they provide a small air pump and a bottle of sealant, which might fix a small puncture for a short trip. This won’t help with a large tear or a blowout. If your car has run-flat tires, you can drive a short distance at low speed, but you’ll still need to reach a repair shop.
In these situations, a DIY flat tire change isn’t possible, so you’ll need a tow truck or roadside assistance to get to a tire shop.
A1 Towing & Collision Inc Is Here When You Need Us
If you get a flat tire and decide to call for help, A1 Towing & Collision Inc can get you back on the road. We handle flat tire changes any time, day or night. Our trucks are equipped with heavy-duty jacks, impact tools, and full safety lighting.
If you don’t have a working spare, we can tow your car to our shop for repair or replacement. Our drivers know the local area and can reach you fast.
