A tire problem may start with a thumping sound, a sudden pull to one side, or steering that feels heavier than usual. The safest response depends on whether the tire has gone flat or has a puncture but is still holding pressure. How the vehicle feels and how quickly the pressure is dropping are important clues.
Can you drive with a flat tire?
No. Do not drive on a flat or nearly flat tire to reach a repair shop. Without enough air, the tire can be damaged internally, and the vehicle may not handle normally. Continuing can also damage the wheel. Stop as soon as you can do so safely and use a suitable spare or call for roadside assistance.
A puncture is not always the same as a flat tire. If the tire is still holding pressure, the vehicle handles normally, and you can confirm the pressure is not low, you may be able to drive cautiously and directly to a nearby tire shop. Do not remove an object embedded in the tread. If the pressure is falling, you cannot check it, or you are unsure whether the tire is damaged, stop safely and arrange assistance.
What to do if a tire goes flat while driving
If you feel a tire losing air, stay focused on keeping the vehicle under control:
- Hold the steering wheel firmly. Keep the vehicle moving in a straight, controlled path.
- Ease off the accelerator gradually. Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering inputs.
- Move to a safe place to stop. Signal and pull away from traffic when you can do so safely. Turn on the hazard lights once stopped.
- Decide whether it is safe to change the tire. If you are on a narrow shoulder, near fast traffic, or in another unsafe location, stay clear of traffic and call roadside assistance.
If the tire fails suddenly, the vehicle may pull or shake. NHTSA advises drivers to maintain control, gradually release the accelerator, and pull off the road once the vehicle has stabilized and it is safe to do so.
When to use a spare or call for help
Use a spare only if it is in good condition, the vehicle’s instructions allow its use, and you can change it safely at your location. Follow the owner’s manual for the spare’s speed and distance limits. If the vehicle has a tire mobility kit or run-flat tires, use them only as directed by the vehicle or tire manufacturer.
Call roadside assistance if you do not have a suitable spare, are not equipped to change it, or cannot work safely where you stopped. Do not stand between your vehicle and moving traffic to inspect or change the tire.
Can a punctured tire be repaired?
Possibly. A tire professional needs to remove the tire from the wheel and inspect it internally before deciding. Repair may be an option when the puncture is in the repairable part of the tread, is within the tire industry’s size limits, and the tire has no other damage. Punctures in the sidewall or shoulder, or damage from driving while flat, can mean the tire must be replaced.
Do not assume a tire is safe to repair just because the puncture looks small from the outside. The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association recommends a full internal inspection and says a repair should be limited to the tread area. See our guide to tire plugs versus patches for more on professional repair methods.
If the tire is losing air but is not flat, see what to do when tire pressure is low. The advice changes once a tire is nearly flat, damaged, or rapidly deflating.
What does flat-tire repair or replacement cost?
A basic repair for a repairable tread puncture often costs about $20 to $50 at many U.S. shops, according to AutoZone. A tire that cannot be repaired will need replacement, and the price depends on its size, type, and brand. Driving on a flat can turn a repairable puncture into tire or wheel damage. For more detail, see how much it costs to patch a tire.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive a short distance on a flat tire?
Do not drive on a flat or nearly flat tire, even for a short distance to a shop. Stop somewhere safe and use a suitable spare or call for assistance. Driving on it can damage the tire and wheel and affect vehicle control.
Can I drive with a nail in my tire?
If the tire is holding pressure and the vehicle handles normally, check the pressure with a gauge and contact a tire shop promptly. Do not pull out the nail or screw, since that may increase the air loss. If the tire is low, losing air, or affecting how the vehicle drives, stop safely and call for help. See what to do if you have a nail in your tire.
Should I use hazard lights while changing a tire?
Turn on the hazard lights after stopping, but do not assume they make it safe to change a tire beside traffic. If you cannot get well away from moving vehicles or find a safe place to work, stay clear of traffic and call roadside assistance.
