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Flat tire on the highway: what to do

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The short answer

Turn on your hazard lights, ease off the gas and steer to the safest place you can reach, off the road if possible. Do not change a tire on the traffic side of a busy highway. If you cannot do it far from traffic, stay safe and call for help.

What should I do right after a tire goes flat on the highway?

Keep control of the car first. Hold the wheel firmly, turn on your hazard lights and let the car slow down. Do not slam the brakes or jerk the wheel.

Then look for a safe way off the road. A flat tire can be driven on for a short way at low speed, and that can be enough to reach a better place to stop.

Is it safe to change a tire on the highway?

It is not safe on the traffic side of a busy road. Cars pass close and fast, and drivers can be distracted. Many roadside injuries happen to people working next to the lane.

If you are on a quiet, flat, firm spot far from traffic, your owner's manual shows how to use the spare and the jack. If you are not sure, or if you feel unsafe, wait for help.

Where should I stand while I wait?

Stand well away from the road, on the side away from traffic. Behind a guardrail or barrier is best, and never between your car and moving cars.

Keep your passengers with you and keep pets in the car, or on a leash if they must get out. Keep your phone with you.

  • Away from the road, not next to the lane.
  • Behind a guardrail or barrier if there is one.
  • Away from the front and back of your car.
  • Somewhere you can see traffic coming.

What if I do not have a spare tire?

Many newer cars have a repair kit or a small spare, or no spare at all. Check your owner's manual now, before you need it. If you have no spare, call for help.

A tow company can move your car to a tire shop. Tell them your tire size if you know it, and tell them if the wheel is damaged.

Step by step

  1. Turn on your hazard lights and hold the wheel steady

    Keep both hands on the wheel. If a tire blows, the car may pull to one side. Stay calm.

  2. Ease off the gas and do not brake hard

    Let the car slow down on its own. Hard braking can make the car harder to control. Brake gently once you have slowed down.

  3. Steer to the safest place you can reach

    Aim for the far shoulder, an exit, a rest area or a parking lot. A short drive on a flat is better than stopping in a lane.

  4. Stop as far from traffic as possible

    Park on a firm, level spot with the wheels turned away from the road. Set the parking brake and leave your hazard lights on.

  5. Get out on the side away from traffic

    If it is safe to leave the car, get everyone out on the side away from traffic. Move well away from the road, behind a barrier if there is one. If it is not safe to get out, stay buckled in and call for help.

  6. Do not change the tire on the traffic side

    Do not change a tire on the traffic side of a busy highway. If you cannot do it far from traffic, on a firm, flat spot, call for help instead.

  7. Call for help and wait safely

    Call your roadside assistance plan (through your insurer, car maker, credit card or auto club) or a local tow company. Give your exact location. If you are in danger, call emergency services.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive on a flat tire to get off the highway?

Only a short distance and slowly, to reach a safer place. Driving far on a flat can wreck the tire and the wheel. Stopping in a live lane is often the greater danger, so use judgment.

What if I feel the car pull after a blowout?

Hold the wheel steady, ease off the gas and let the car slow down. Avoid hard braking. Steer gently toward the shoulder once you are in control.

Should I put on my hazard lights or flares?

Always turn on hazard lights. If you carry reflective triangles or flares, only place them if you can do so without stepping near traffic.

Who should I call for a flat tire?

Your roadside assistance plan is a good first call, or a local tow company. Both can often help with a spare or move the car. If you are in danger, call emergency services.

Stuck right now?

If anyone is hurt, or you are stopped in traffic, call emergency services first. Then get to a safe spot away from moving traffic.

Once you are safe, call your local tow company or your roadside assistance plan. This page is general information and cannot send help.

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