A flat tire can happen anywhere: on New Circle Road during rush hour, on I-75 or I-64 heading out of town, or in a parking lot on a rainy night. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes keeps you and your passengers safe. Here is a practical flat tire safety guide for drivers in Lexington, KY.
1. Get off the road safely
When you feel the car pull to one side or hear a flapping sound, do not brake hard. Hold the steering wheel firmly, slow down gradually and signal your way to the shoulder, an exit or a parking lot. Driving a short distance slowly on a flat is better than stopping in a live traffic lane.
2. Make yourself visible
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Use reflective triangles or flares if you have them.
- At night, keep interior lights on so other drivers can see the vehicle.
3. Decide whether changing it yourself is safe
Changing a tire on a quiet street with a level surface is very different from changing one inches from highway traffic. Do not attempt a tire change if:
- You are on a narrow shoulder of a busy highway or interstate
- The ground is soft, sloped or uneven
- Your spare is missing, flat or damaged
- You do not have the jack or wheel lock key
- It is dark, raining heavily or icy
In these situations, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on (if it is safe) or stand well away from traffic, and call for help.
4. Call for emergency tire help
The Unlock Master provides 24/7 emergency flat tire service in Lexington, KY. We can install your spare tire on the spot so you can drive safely to a tire shop. When you call, share your location, vehicle type and whether you have a working spare.
5. Drive carefully on a spare
Most compact spare tires are only meant for limited speed and distance. Check the label on the spare and get the original tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
How to reduce the risk of flat tires
- Check tire pressure monthly and before long trips, using the recommended pressure on the driver’s door jamb.
- Look for nails, cuts, bulges and uneven tread wear.
- Rotate tires according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
- Check your spare tire’s pressure too.
- Avoid potholes and road debris when it is safe to do so.
Other roadside help we provide
Flat tires are only one reason drivers get stuck. We also help with car lockouts, dead batteries and running out of fuel. See all our roadside assistance services in Lexington.
Frequently asked questions
Can you repair a tire on the roadside?
In most cases the quickest safe option is installing your spare so you can get to a tire shop for a proper repair or replacement.
Do you help on the interstate?
We help drivers in Lexington and the surrounding area. If you are on a highway shoulder, stay safe and call us with your location and mile marker.
Stuck with a flat?
Call The Unlock Master 24/7 at (859) 509-3025.
