Know what to do when a tire fails on the road — and how to handle it safely alone.
Prepare
Locate your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench in your vehicle right now — before you need them.
Confirm the spare is properly inflated (check the label on the tire for the PSI — typically 60 PSI for a compact spare).
Practice loosening and tightening lug nuts at home so you know the direction and the force required.
Save your roadside assistance number in your phone contacts.
Keep a reflective triangle or road flares in your trunk.
Prevent
Check tire pressure monthly — underinflated tires are far more likely to fail. Use a $5 gauge from any auto store.
Inspect tires every few months for uneven wear, cracks, or embedded objects.
Rotate tires every 5,000–8,000 miles (usually every oil change).
Replace tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32" — use the penny test (Lincoln's head disappearing = time to replace).
Avoid driving over potholes, curbs, or road debris at speed.
Respond
Do not brake hard — gradually reduce speed and steer to a safe area away from traffic.
Turn on hazard lights immediately.
Pull onto the shoulder or a flat, stable surface — avoid hills and soft ground.
Place reflective triangles or flares behind your vehicle if available.
If safe to proceed: loosen lug nuts slightly before jacking the car, jack under the designated lift point (check your manual), remove the flat, mount the spare, hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern, lower the car, then fully tighten.
Drive to a tire shop soon — compact spares are not for highway speeds or long distances (typically limited to 50 mph / 50 miles).
If unsafe or unsure: call roadside assistance and stay in your vehicle with hazard lights on.
Resources
AAA Roadside Assistance: 1-800-222-4357
Your vehicle manual — lists the correct jack points and spare tire location
Check your insurance card — many policies include roadside assistance
Search "tire shop near me" for local repair options