Can I Call for Roadside Assistance When My Tire Is Flat?
3 Answers
Driving with zero tire pressure is not recommended, and it's best to pull over to the side of the road. If your tire is flat, you can call the manufacturer's free roadside assistance hotline, and the manufacturer will arrange for the nearest 4S store to provide assistance. Alternatively, you can contact your insurance company to arrange for roadside assistance. Below are the hazards of continuing to drive with a flat tire: Lifespan: Continuing to drive with a flat tire increases the contact area between the tire and the road surface. During driving, the temperature inside the tire will rise sharply, and the severe deformation of the tire sidewall will accelerate the aging of internal steel wires and fabric layers. This also increases fuel consumption, reduces the tire's lifespan, and may even create a hidden risk of a tire blowout. Wheel Damage: Driving with zero tire pressure may also damage the wheel rim. If the rim is scratched, chipped, or deformed, the severity depends on the location of the damage or deformation. If the damage is on the edge of the rim or directly where the tire contacts the rim, it is generally advised to stop using it.
You can definitely call for roadside assistance if your tire is flat, especially if changing a spare tire feels too dangerous or unfamiliar. With over a decade of driving experience, I've seen many beginners stubbornly driving on a flat tire on highways, only to damage the wheel rims and incur greater losses. Safety comes first: once you notice a flat tire, immediately pull over to a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights, and call for roadside assistance. Many car owners have free towing services through their insurance or can use mobile apps to locate nearby tow truck companies. If the tire is completely ruined and you don’t have a spare, the rescue team can directly replace it with a new one. Remember, never attempt repairs on the driving lane—it’s easy to get hit by passing vehicles. Investing in a roadside assistance plan is cost-effective; just a few hundred yuan a year can handle emergencies effortlessly.
When a tire goes flat, you can certainly call for roadside assistance, but it's wise to weigh the costs and risks. As someone who travels frequently for work, I've encountered this situation several times: calling a towing company might cost 200-300 yuan, but attempting to change the tire yourself could lead to back injuries or foot damage from improper handling, potentially resulting in even higher medical expenses. The key is to assess your own capabilities. If it's just a slow leak, you might be able to temporarily patch it or replace it with the spare tire and drive away. However, if you experience a blowout at a busy intersection or late at night, the rescue service included in your insurance usually covers the cost—simply calling your insurance company can resolve the issue. I believe it's not worth saving that small amount of money, especially on highways, as continuing to drive could completely ruin the tire or even damage the chassis. Regularly checking tire pressure can also reduce such incidents. Nowadays, tire pressure gauges are quite affordable, and checking before trips is a good preventive measure.
