Tire blew out while driving
A blowout at speed is alarming, but the safe response is simple: ease off the gas, keep straight, and coast to safety before deciding on a spare or a tow.
Stay clear and get a tow
On a highway shoulder, changing a tire is the most dangerous thing you can do — let a pro tow it.
⚠️ Safety first
Never change a tire on a highway shoulder. Stand well away from the car, behind a barrier if there is one.
- 1Exit the car away from the traffic side.
- 2Turn your hazards on.
- 3Stand behind the guardrail, upstream of your car.
- 4Request a tow and wait clear of the vehicle.
Get a pro to fit the spare
A blowout can bend the wheel or damage the sidewall mounting — let the driver check before fitting your spare.
- 1Pull as far off the road as you safely can; hazards on.
- 2Make your spare and tools accessible.
- 3The driver will inspect the wheel and fit the spare, or convert to a tow if the wheel is damaged.
No spare — tow to a tire shop
A blown tire with no spare needs a tow to the nearest tire shop.
⚠️ Safety first
Driving on a blown tire destroys the wheel and can cause loss of control.
- 1Don't drive on it.
- 2Turn your hazards on and stay clear of traffic.
- 3Request a tow to the nearest tire shop or your preferred shop.
You might also need
TowGo · Roadside help, on demand