Can roadside assistance bring a spare tire?
When you're stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, one of the first questions that might come to mind is whether roadside assistance can bring you a spare tire. This is a common concern for drivers who may not have a spare tire in their vehicle or are unsure how to replace one themselves. In this article, we’ll explore what roadside assistance typically offers and what you can do to prepare for such situations.
What Does Roadside Assistance Typically Cover?
Roadside assistance services are designed to help drivers in emergency situations. While the exact services vary depending on the provider, most roadside assistance plans include:
- Towing services to a nearby repair shop or your preferred location.
- Flat tire changes, provided you have a functional spare tire in your vehicle.
- Battery jump-starts for dead batteries.
- Fuel delivery if you run out of gas.
- Lockout services to help you regain access to your vehicle.
However, when it comes to bringing a spare tire, the answer is not always straightforward. Let’s dive deeper into this specific scenario.
Will Roadside Assistance Bring a Spare Tire?
In most cases, roadside assistance does not carry spare tires to deliver to stranded drivers. Instead, they rely on the spare tire that should already be in your vehicle. If you don’t have a spare tire, the technician may offer to tow your car to the nearest repair shop or tire service center where you can purchase a replacement.
Some premium roadside assistance plans or specialized services might offer spare tire delivery as an add-on feature, but this is not standard practice. It’s always a good idea to check the details of your roadside assistance plan to understand what is included.
What Should You Do If You Don’t Have a Spare Tire?
If you find yourself without a spare tire, here are some steps you can take:
- Contact roadside assistance: Explain your situation and ask if they can tow your vehicle to a nearby tire shop.
- Consider mobile tire services: Some companies specialize in mobile tire repair or replacement and may be able to bring a new tire to your location.
- Prepare in advance: If your car doesn’t come with a spare tire (as is common with some modern vehicles), consider purchasing a spare or a tire repair kit to keep in your trunk.
How to Be Prepared for Tire Emergencies
To avoid being caught off guard by a flat tire, here are some tips to stay prepared:
- Regularly check your spare tire to ensure it is in good condition and properly inflated.
- Invest in a tire repair kit or portable air compressor for temporary fixes.
- Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s jack and lug wrench so you can change a tire if needed.
- Keep the contact information for your roadside assistance provider handy.
Conclusion
While roadside assistance is a valuable resource for drivers in distress, it’s important to understand its limitations. Most services will not bring a spare tire to your location, so being prepared with your own spare or alternative solutions is crucial. By taking proactive steps, you can minimize the stress of a flat tire and get back on the road quickly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will put my spare tire on?
Whenever you get a flat, a certified AAA technician will come out to install your vehicle's spare tire.
Can I drive 1 mile on a flat tire?
Never drive more than a few hundred yards/half a mile on a flat tire. Only drive far enough to find a safe place to pull over.
Does roadside assistance have spare tires?
AAA will not bring a spare tire. They will come to your car and change out your flat tire for your good spare. If your spare tire is flat, then they won't put it on your car. They will tow your car to a tire repair facility.
Will AAA put my spare tire on?
How to Get Roadside Assistance From AAA. As a leader in roadside provisions, AAA flat tire services can re-inflate your tire, install a spare or tow your vehicle, depending on the situation. If you don't have a spare tire, we will tow you to a preferred mechanic or to the nearest auto repair shop.
How much should a spare tire cost?
Temporary “donut” spare tires range in cost (due to size, performance and brand for example) from $50 to $200 and more.
What to do if your tire blows out and you dont have a spare?
In situations where you find yourself with a flat tire and no spare, contacting roadside assistance can be the best course of action. Many car insurance companies offer 24-hour emergency services , providing you with the peace of mind that help is just a phone call away.
What to do if your car doesn't come with a spare tire?
- Roadside assistance - have them bring you a wheel/tire
- Phone a friend - have them bring you a wheel/tire
- Call a taxi, rideshare, etc.
- Walk to a tire shop and buy a wheel/tire
- Depending on the nature of the flat, purchase 1 or more cans of fix-a-flat and temporarily inflate and drive to tire shop
Do roadside assistance have spare tires?
Flat tires are among the most common roadside assistance calls. A professional can come to fix your flat tire at no cost to you when you have this coverage and a spare tire, or only the price of a spare tire if they need to bring one.
Will roadside assistance bring you a tire?
When you call for roadside assistance, a service vehicle is deployed that can help with towing, winching, tire replacement, fuel delivery, lockout services, and more. You can call your roadside assistance provider using the number on your policy card.
What do I do if I have a flat tire and no spare?
Contact a Tow Service: If you're unable to fix the tire yourself, you can call a tow service to take your vehicle to a nearby repair shop. Plan Ahead: If you know your vehicle doesn't have a spare, consider purchasing a portable spare tire or a collapsible spare tire kit that can be stored in your vehicle.
