Can I Call for Assistance When My Tire Is Flat?
2 Answers
It is not advisable to continue driving with zero tire pressure; it's best to pull over to the side of the road. If your tire is flat, you can call the manufacturer's free assistance hotline, and the manufacturer will arrange for the nearest 4S store to provide assistance. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company to arrange for assistance. Below are the hazards of continuing to drive with a flat tire: 1. Service Life: Continuing to drive on a flat tire increases the contact area between the tire and the ground, causing the tire temperature to rise sharply during driving. Additionally, severe deformation of the tire sidewall accelerates the aging of internal steel wires and fabric layers, increases fuel consumption, reduces the tire's service life, and may even lead to a potential blowout. 2. Wheel Rim Damage: Driving with zero tire pressure may also damage the wheel rim. If the rim is scratched, chipped, or deformed in any way, the severity of the damage or the location of the deformation should be assessed. If the damage is on the edge of the rim or at the point where the tire and rim make contact, it is recommended to stop using the rim.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, calling for roadside assistance is definitely the top choice when dealing with a flat tire, especially on highways or at night. Changing a spare tire yourself can be risky and you might miss important appointments. I once had a tire blowout in the suburbs on a rainy day—I struggled for half an hour without success, but roadside assistance arrived in just thirty minutes and got me back on the road with a spare tire. Nowadays, most car insurance policies include roadside assistance services, so just check your coverage in advance. Always keep your spare tire well-maintained with proper air pressure to ensure it’s usable when needed. Mobile apps like navigation software also offer one-click assistance calls, making it super convenient. Safety comes first—don’t push yourself to handle it alone. Delays due to tire issues are minor compared to the regret of causing a secondary accident.
