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Being stranded on the open road with a flat tire is never an ideal situation. You may immediately start to worry about cost, safety, and convenience, especially when you're in an unfamiliar area. We will discuss what to do if you notice your tire is flat while driving on Baltimore, MD roads and elsewhere. Slow Down When your tire goes flat while driving, the first and most important thing to do is to slow down. This can be challenging, especially if you're on a busy highway where it feels like everyone else is in too much of a hurry. Wherever you can, try to gradually move toward the right-hand side of the lane to allow other drivers plenty of distance as they pass. more In addition, drive below 50 mph for better control of the vehicle and less potential damage to the rim. As you drive slowly, you should actively scan for potential safe locations, such as shoulders adjacent to parking lots or rest areas, keeping in mind that you may need additional room to inspect the tire. Pull Over Be sure to use your indicators as you try to get off the road. Once you're in a safe spot, the next step is to inspect your tire. Usually, if there's a puncture in the tire, then it's visible right away. However, sometimes it's difficult to locate the source of the air leak. In such situations, you'll need to look out for signs such as irregular wear patterns or bulging of the tire wall. Both could indicate that the inner structure of the tire has been damaged. Call for Roadside Assistance If you are experienced in changing tires, then you can do it yourself. But if you're not, it's best to call for roadside assistance. Most dealers offer 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and will arrange for someone to come and change the tire as well as bring the vehicle back to the garage. Note, even though you may have changed the tire successfully by yourself, it's highly recommended to visit your local car dealer regardless. Doing so will help get more information on what caused this issue and if there are any other underlying issues, such as unbalanced tires, that influenced this experience. How Long Does It Take to Fix a Flat at a Dealership in Baltimore, MD? You could expect to be in and out of the dealership with a newly-inflated tire relatively quickly. The experienced technicians are well-versed in all Toyota models and will quickly replace the flat using factory-approved parts so that you're back on the road in no time. Contact us at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore for all your automotive needs. We offer convenient online scheduling, timely service, and competitive prices.

Healthy tires are vital for your safety. Modern tires are very strong and reinforced, but they will gradually wear down as time passes. As your Toyota dealer, we'd like you to know some signs that you may need new tires from your trusted tire shop in Baltimore, MD soon. Your Tread Is Low The tread is the raised section of your tires, and it's separated by grooves. The tread enables your tires to grip the road surface when you're driving. It also helps when you're driving over mud, slush, or snow, and the tread forces the liquid away from the tires. The tread on your tires will gradually wear down due to abrasion. As time passes, the tread will become smoother. As the tread flattens out, you'll notice that your car's grip feels slightly less sure than it used to. When the tread on your tires is reduced to a height of 1/16", it's time to change your tires. If your tires look worn, come into our service department, and our technicians will examine them. We can quickly replace worn tires for you, and you'll drive safely again. more Your Tire Has a Bubble A bubble is a raised section of a tire that bulges out. This bulge can occur on the tread, but it's more common on the sidewall of a tire. The rubber on the sidewall is thinner than the tread rubber, and the sidewall doesn't have the reinforcement that the tread has. A bubble is usually formed when a section of your tire is pinched against a solid object. This damage can happen if you accidentally catch the sidewall of your tire against a curb. The impact doesn't have to be great, but it pushes part of the tire into a bulge. A bulge in the tire is dangerous, as it's filled with air, and the pressure inside the bulge weakens the rubber surrounding it. If you spot a bulge in a tire, we recommend getting your tire changed ASAP to prevent a blowout. Your Cords Are Visible Your tire tread is the only part of the tire in contact with the surface, and this causes it to suffer wear. The tread is reinforced by a thick steel band with supporting polyester bands beneath the rubber. This reinforcement helps to keep the tire stable and supports the rubber covering. The reinforcing bands inside a tire are known as cords. Cords don't provide any grip on the surface, but they can become visible if your tires are severely worn. If you can see any part of your tire's cords, it's time to change your tire immediately. If your tires show signs of wear or damage, visit our service department today or browse our online tire shop now at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore.