Whether you’re on your way to work, embarking on a family road trip or just running errands around town, there’s never a good time to get a flat tire. But it’s an unfortunate situation that most drivers find themselves in at some point.
While there’s not much you can do to prevent getting a flat tire, a little preparation can save you time and money when it does inevitably happen. Here, we cover some helpful tips to ensure you’re prepared in the event of a blowout.
As tires wear, they become more prone to puncture and damage. There are a number of issues that can cause a flat tire, including:
If your tire goes flat while your vehicle is parked, it’s easy to spot. But recognizing a flat while driving can be more difficult. Here are some warning signs:
That depends on your car. These days, many luxury and performance vehicles from automakers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac come equipped with run-flat tires. As the name suggests, these types of tires are designed to allow you to drive for about 100 miles with no air pressure, so you can safely drive to get your flat repaired.
However, if your car has conventional tires, driving any distance on a flat is always a bad idea. If you don’t pull over immediately, you can do irreparable damage to the tire and may even destroy your wheel.
If you suspect you may have a flat tire, follow these steps:
In response to increasing fuel economy standards, many auto manufacturers are ditching the spare tire to save weight. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, about one-third of new cars on the road today forego the spare. Instead, they’ll include a can of tire sealant and an air pump.
If you get a flat and your car doesn’t have a spare tire, try using the provided sealant and reinflate your tire with the compressor. In the event of a small puncture or slow air leak, you may be able to get back on the road. But if the damage is more significant, you’ll likely need to call for help.
If you need help, you have a few options:
Just because you got a flat tire, that doesn’t mean you need to install a replacement. In many instances, tires can be safely repaired by a qualified tire service technician. But according to the Tire Industry Association, there are several requirements for a safe repair:
The technician will let you know if your tire is repairable. If not, it probably doesn’t meet one of the above criteria.
One final tip: Make sure to check your tires and treads routinely. If they’re worn down, don’t wait for a flat (or your annual inspection) to change them out for a new set.
A flat tire can ruin your day if you’re not prepared. When you’re stranded, it helps to have someone you can count on to help ease the stress.
At ERIE, our promise is simple: to be there when you need us. With our Emergency Roadside Service, we can help with lockouts, flat tires, mechanical breakdowns, dead batteries or even an empty gas tank. It’s an optional coverage that’s easy to add to your auto insurance policy and doesn’t cost a lot. You can also purchase the coverage with ERIE’s Roadside & Rentals bundle, which includes Rental Car Expense Coverage.2
Contact your local ERIE agent and find out how we can help you get back on the road.
1. Vehicles eligible for coverage include cars, light trucks and motorcycles. The service also covers horse, livestock and other trailers that are pulled by vehicles that ERIE insures. See individual policies for specific coverage details. Certain terms and limitations may apply. Refer to our disclaimer for additional information. In North Carolina, coverage is purchased by limits ($25, $50 and $100).
2. In all states except Virginia and North Carolina, transportation expenses are included with comprehensive coverage but must be purchased separately for a collision loss. Rental vehicle coverage is based on the type of vehicle rented, rather than a specific dollar amount, and is subject to a per-day limit if you select a vehicle in a higher class than you have purchased. In Virginia and North Carolina, transportation expense coverage is included with comprehensive coverage and collision coverage and is subject to a per-day limit. The six classes of rental car options are not available in Virginia or North Carolina. Transportation expenses are included in Virginia with comprehensive coverage and is optional with collision. In North Carolina, transportation expenses are only covered with vehicle theft claims. The limit is $15 per day and up to $450 per loss.
