What to Do When You Get a Flat Tire (And What Comes After)
Whether your kid is about to get behind the wheel for the first time or you're just learning how to manage the basics of car care yourself—changing a flat tire is a critical skill. But what happens after you’ve swapped the flat for that tiny donut in the trunk? And how do you even know whether that damaged tire can be saved or needs replacing?
This post covers:
- How to handle a flat tire
- How to tell if it can be repaired or must be replaced
- Why having an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle complicates things
- Tips on spare tires and what to expect once you're back on the road
🛞 Flat Tire 101: What to Do When It Happens
- Stay Calm & Pull Over Safely
If you hear a thudding noise, feel the steering wheel shake, or your car is pulling hard to one side—it's probably a flat. Find a flat, stable area to pull over, ideally away from traffic. - Turn On Hazard Lights & Secure the Vehicle
Park, engage the emergency brake, and turn on your hazard lights. Place wheel wedges or blocks if available. - Find the Spare Tire & Tools
Most cars come with a spare tire (usually a compact "donut"), a scissor jack, and a lug wrench. Check the owner’s manual if you’re unsure where they are or how to use them. - Change the Tire
If you’ve never done this before, it’s okay to call roadside assistance. But it's smart for new drivers to learn in a safe environment ahead of time. Practice in your driveway with a parent or trusted adult.
🔍 Can the Tire Be Repaired or Does It Need to Be Replaced?
Not all flat tires are created equal. Here’s how to tell:
| Damage Type | Repairable? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nail/Puncture in Tread | ✅ Yes (if under 1/4") | Common, fixable with a patch/plug. Center tread only. |
| Sidewall Damage | ❌ No | Sidewalls flex too much to hold a repair safely. |
| Blowouts | ❌ No | Structural integrity is gone—needs full replacement. |
| Tread Separation/Bulges | ❌ No | Dangerous and unrepairable. Must be replaced. |
| Multiple Punctures | ⚠️ Sometimes | Too many close together = unsafe to repair. |
💡 Tip: Always get a professional opinion. A quick patch job might save money short-term but cost more in the long run if it fails.
🚙 What If Your Vehicle is All-Wheel Drive?
Here’s where things get tricky.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles require all four tires to have nearly identical tread depth. This is because the AWD system continuously monitors and adjusts power to each wheel, and uneven tires can confuse the system, leading to drivetrain damage.
That means:
- If you replace just one tire with a new one, it could be too tall (more tread depth).
- You might need to replace two or even all four tires to avoid mismatching.
- Some tire shops offer tread shaving to match a new tire to the remaining three—ask if this is an option.
🧰 Where’s the Spare Tire?
It’s not always obvious. Here's where to look:
| Vehicle Type | Typical Spare Tire Location |
|---|---|
| Sedan/Coupe | Under the trunk floor |
| SUV | Under rear cargo area or mounted outside |
| Pickup Truck | Underneath the bed (use winch system) |
| Some Hybrids/EVs | No spare at all (rely on sealant kits or inflators) |
❗Important: If your vehicle doesn't have a spare, consider purchasing a full-size spare or roadside kit. Compact inflator kits can’t fix all types of punctures.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Empowering New Drivers
Changing a flat tire isn’t glamorous—but it is empowering. It builds confidence and awareness for new drivers, and knowing what comes after that fix can save money and headaches down the road.
Parents, walk your teen through this process before they need it. Show them where the spare is, how to safely jack the car, and what to ask a tire shop when something goes wrong.
And for those of you still learning: it's never too late to get car-smart.
