What to do if you have a flat tire.

A flat tire is one of the most common roadside problems there is. Here is how to handle it safely — whether you change it yourself or call for help.

Plain English 5 Minute Read Updated for 2026

The Short Version

Get to safety first.

A flat tire is common and, handled calmly, usually not dangerous. But the order of priorities matters: your safety comes before the tire.

The first move, every time, is to get yourself and your vehicle safely off the road. Everything else can wait until you have done that.

Step by Step

Handling a flat tire.

When you realize you have a flat:

Slow down gradually and turn on your hazard lights.
Pull well off the road onto firm, level ground, as far from traffic as you can.
Assess whether it is safe to change it. On a busy highway or with no real shoulder, it often is not.
If it is not safe, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on and call for help.
If it is safe and you have a usable spare and tools, change the tire — then drive gently, since a temporary spare is not made for speed or distance.

When to Call for Help

It is okay not to do it yourself.

There is no prize for changing a tire in a dangerous spot. Call for roadside assistance if:

The location is unsafe — a highway shoulder, heavy traffic, poor visibility.
You do not have a usable spare or the right tools.
You are simply not comfortable doing it.

Calling for help is the smart choice, not a failure. RMO MyRoadside can send assistance to your location 24/7.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I get a flat tire?

Slow down, turn on your hazards, and pull well off the road onto firm level ground. Then decide whether it is safe to change the tire yourself — and if it is not, stay in the vehicle and call for help.

Is it safe to change a tire on the highway?

Often it is not. A highway shoulder with fast traffic is a dangerous place to change a tire. In that situation, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and call for roadside assistance.

How far can I drive on a spare tire?

A temporary or compact spare is built for limited speed and distance, not normal driving. Drive gently and get the regular tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Should I call roadside assistance for a flat tire?

Yes, if the location is unsafe, you lack a usable spare or tools, or you are not comfortable changing it. Calling for help is the sensible choice in any of those cases.

Keep Reading

Related guides & next steps.

Be ready for the common roadside problems:

What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down — the wider breakdown playbook.
What to Keep in a Car Emergency Kit — the gear that helps.
How to Request Roadside Assistance — get help fast.
All roadside guides

View RMO MyRoadside Plans → Go to MyRMO → About RMO Protection →

Disclosure. This page is general educational information and is not advice, a recommendation, or an offer of coverage. Protection plans and coverage are offered through RMO Protection. All coverage and benefits are subject to the terms, conditions, limits, deductibles, and exclusions of the actual plan or policy documents, and product availability and pricing vary by state and by applicant. Nothing on this page modifies any plan or policy, and it is not a guarantee of coverage — your plan or policy documents govern. Learn more at RMO Protection.