What to Do If You Get a Flat Tire

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.

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.

Tags: Flat Tire FAQs
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