What if I get a flat tire with no spare?
With no spare, you typically can’t safely continue driving very far on a flat. Your best path is to call roadside assistance or have the car towed to a tire shop. If your vehicle uses run-flat tires or you have a tire-sealant kit, you may be able to move short distances within the manufacturer’s guidelines, but long trips should be avoided.
Immediate safety steps
These steps help you stay safe and prevent further damage while you arrange help or a replacement tire.
- Pull over to a safe, flat location away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights and apply the parking brake.
- Leave the vehicle if it’s unsafe to stay inside, and check for oncoming traffic before exiting.
- Inspect the tire from outside the car without removing any embedded object; avoid driving on a severely damaged tire.
- If you have a tire-sealant kit or run-flat tires, consult your owner’s manual before using them and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
- Do not attempt to drive long distances on a flat tire. Plan to obtain professional help or tow to a repair location.
Following these steps prioritizes your safety and protects the wheel and drivetrain while you arrange a repair or replacement.
Getting back on the road: options to repair or replace
There are several paths to consider once you’re in a safe location. Your choice depends on your vehicle’s equipment, your location, and how quickly you need to be moving again.
- Call roadside assistance (your insurer, the vehicle manufacturer, or a third-party service). They can tow the car or dispatch a technician to change or repair the tire if possible.
- Have the vehicle towed to the nearest tire shop, dealership, or trusted repair center for assessment and repair or replacement.
- Use a mobile tire service that can come to your location to patch/plug a repairable puncture or mount a new tire, if available in your area.
- If the puncture is in the tread and repairable, a trained technician may patch and/or plug the tire from inside or outside. Sidewall damage or large or multiple punctures usually require tire replacement.
- If you have run-flat tires, you may be able to drive to a shop within the manufacturer’s recommended distance and speed limits; otherwise, a tow is usually advised.
These options help you regain mobility safely while ensuring the tire is repaired or replaced according to best practices and safety standards.
Special cases: run-flat tires and sealant kits
Run-flat tires
Run-flat tires are designed to retain some stability after a loss of air pressure, allowing you to reach a service location.Carefully follow your vehicle’s manual for the maximum distance and speed. After reaching a shop, plan for a proper replacement if the tire has sustained damage beyond repair.
Tire sealant kits and inflators
Tire-sealant kits can seal small punctures and reinflate a tire enough to reach a repair shop. They are not a substitute for a permanent tire repair or replacement, and should not be used on sidewall damage or large punctures. Always follow the kit’s instructions and consider getting a professional assessment quickly.
In all cases, after using a sealant or driving on a run-flat, you should have the tire inspected by a professional as soon as possible to determine whether a repair or replacement is needed.
Prevention and preparedness
Being prepared can reduce downtime and keep you safer on the road when a flat happens.
- Keep a spare tire or ensure you have a full-size spare available, or confirm your run-flat and sealant kit options with your vehicle. If you don’t have a spare, plan how you’ll obtain one in advance.
- Check tire pressures regularly and before trips; maintain each tire at the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
- Inspect tires for wear, cuts, bulges, and embedded objects; rotate tires as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Maintain an emergency roadside kit that includes a flashlight, reflective alerts, a tire inflator/sealant kit, basic tools, and a contact list for roadside assistance.
- Know your roadside assistance options (insurance, vehicle manufacturer, or membership programs) and keep contact numbers accessible.
Preparation helps reduce stress and speeds up the process of getting back on the road after a flat.
Summary
Having no spare makes a flat tire more inconvenient than usual, but you still have safe options. Prioritize safety, contact roadside assistance or a tow, and rely on on-site repairs only if you’re using run-flat tires or a sealant kit in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines. When possible, visit a tire shop for a proper repair or replacement, and take steps to prevent flats in the future by maintaining tires and keeping a spare or reliable support plan. Being prepared can turn a breakdown into a manageable, short interruption rather than a costly delay.
