Quick answer: signal, slow down gradually and pull as far onto the right shoulder as you safely can. Turn on your hazard lights, stay inside with your seatbelt on if you’re next to fast traffic, and call for roadside help. Only change the tire yourself if you’re well clear of traffic on firm, level ground.
1. Keep control of the vehicle
A blowout or sudden loss of pressure can pull the car to one side. Grip the wheel firmly, keep it straight, and don’t slam on the brakes. Ease off the accelerator and let the vehicle slow down on its own before braking gently.
2. Get as far off the road as possible
Signal and move to the right shoulder, ideally past a curve or hill so approaching drivers can see you. If you’re in the left lane of a 400-series highway and can’t cross safely, stop on the left shoulder instead of weaving across traffic. Driving a short distance on a flat to reach a safer spot is better than stopping in a live lane.
3. Make yourself visible
- Turn on your hazard lights right away.
- At night, keep your parking lights on.
- If you have reflective triangles and it’s safe to step out, place them well behind the vehicle.
4. Decide: change it or call for help?
Change the tire yourself only if all of these are true: you’re well away from moving traffic, the ground is firm and level, you have a usable spare, jack and wrench, and you know how to use them. Otherwise, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on and call for roadside assistance.
5. If you change it yourself
- Apply the parking brake and put the vehicle in Park (or in gear for a manual).
- Loosen the lug nuts slightly before jacking the car up.
- Place the jack only at the lifting point shown in your owner’s manual.
- Raise the vehicle, remove the nuts and the flat, then mount the spare.
- Hand-tighten the nuts in a star pattern, lower the car, then tighten fully.
- Check the spare’s pressure. Temporary “donut” spares usually have speed and distance limits; check the sidewall.
6. When towing is the better option
If the rim is damaged, you don’t have a working spare, the tire is on the traffic side, or you’re driving an AWD vehicle that shouldn’t run on a mismatched spare, a flatbed tow to a tire shop is the safest choice.
While you wait
Ontario’s Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and, where safe, move over for stopped emergency vehicles and tow trucks with flashing lights. Still, never assume passing drivers will see you. Stay buckled in, or stand well away from the road behind a barrier if one is available.
Need help now? Olympic Towing provides 24/7 flat tire help and towing across Peel Region and York Region. Call 416-356-2900 or request service online.
