Flat Tire? How to Get Back on the Road Quickly
Flat Tire Scenarios & Solutions – Central Oregon Towing Co.
At Central Oregon Towing Co., we’ve seen it all—cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even trailers stranded due to a flat tire. No matter what you drive, a flat tire can be a stressful situation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through different flat tire scenarios and what to do whether you have a spare tire or not.
Flat tires are more common than you might think. In the U.S., there are approximately 220 million flat tires annually, equating to about seven flat tires every second. Unfortunately, tire-related issues also lead to an estimated 11,000 vehicle crashes each year, with 562 fatalities reported in 2022. Despite how frequent flat tires occur, only 42.2% of drivers feel confident in changing one, while over 20% have no idea how to handle the task. Underinflated tires increase the risk of a blowout by 300%, making routine tire maintenance essential. With fewer new cars coming equipped with a full-sized spare tire—only 10% include one, while about 50% have only a temporary spare—it’s more important than ever to understand what to do in case of a flat.
Different Flat Tire Scenarios
A flat tire on a car is one of the most common roadside issues, often caused by nails, potholes, or low tire pressure. If you drive a truck or SUV, the larger and heavier wheels can make changing the tire more challenging, especially if the spare is mounted underneath the truck bed. When it comes to 18-wheelers, changing a tire requires professional equipment, and in most cases, truck drivers will need to call a towing or roadside assistance service.
For motorcycles, flat tires can be especially dangerous since there is no stable way to jack up a bike safely on the road. Riders often rely on a portable patch kit or need a tow to a repair shop. Flat tires on trailers, especially those carrying heavy loads, require careful handling. Proper jacks and stabilizers are necessary to prevent the trailer from shifting during a tire change.
How to Change a Flat Tire If You Have a Spare
If you have a spare tire and the right tools, follow these steps to change your flat tire safely:
- Find a Safe Location – Pull over to a stable surface away from traffic, turn on hazard lights, engage the parking brake, and place wheel wedges behind the tires to prevent rolling.
- Gather Your Tools – You’ll need a spare tire, lug wrench, jack, and your vehicle owner’s manual.
- Loosen the Lug Nuts – Using the lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts before lifting the vehicle, but don’t remove them completely.
- Lift the Vehicle with the Jack – Position the jack under the vehicle’s recommended lift point and raise the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground.
- Remove the Flat Tire – Fully unscrew the lug nuts and remove the flat tire, setting it aside.
- Install the Spare Tire – Align the spare tire onto the wheel bolts and hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the spare.
- Lower the Vehicle & Tighten Lug Nuts – Lower the vehicle so the spare tire touches the ground but isn’t bearing full weight. Tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern for even pressure, then lower the car completely and give each lug nut a final firm tightening.
- Check Tire Pressure & Drive Cautiously – Ensure the spare tire is properly inflated and drive carefully to the nearest repair shop for a permanent fix.
What to Do If You Don’t Have a Spare Tire
If you don’t have a spare, here’s what you can do:
- Use a Tire Repair Kit – If you have a tire sealant or plug kit, follow the instructions to temporarily fix the puncture. Then, reinflate the tire using a portable air compressor and drive carefully to a repair shop.
- Call Roadside Assistance – Contact Central Oregon Towing Co. for emergency roadside help. We can tow your vehicle to the nearest tire shop or assist with a temporary fix.
- Arrange for a Tow – If the damage is too severe for a repair kit, calling a professional towing service is the best option. Our team is available 24/7 to assist drivers in need of towing or emergency assistance.
Final Thoughts
A flat tire can happen to anyone at any time. Whether you’re driving a car, truck, motorcycle, or even towing a trailer, knowing what to do can save you time and stress. Since the months between May and October are considered “tire blowout season” due to increased risk, it’s important to check your tire pressure regularly and be prepared for emergencies. If you ever find yourself stranded, don’t hesitate to call Central Oregon Towing Co. for fast and reliable towing services. We’re here to get you back on the road safely!
Call Central Oregon Towing Co. for Flat Tire Help
Don't let a flat tire ruin your day. Call Central Oregon Towing Co. at 541-635-4188 for fast and reliable assistance. Our professional team is ready to get you back on the road safely.
You might also like


