Last updated on June 28th, 2023 at 05:16 pm
No one enjoys changing a tire on the side of the road. A flat or burst tire is frustrating no matter where you are going, but it seems to always happen when you are late for an important meeting. A burst tire is bad enough, but what if you open your trunk and realize you don’t have all your tools?
Yes, it is important to always be prepared and no one should drive around without the tools to replace a tire (let alone a spare). However, life does not always go according to plan. Even the most conscientious person occasionally finds themselves unprepared for these scenarios.
The thing is, this can be a costly mistake. The last thing you want is to spend big on tow trucks and unscrupulous mechanics. Did you know you can get your insurer to help? Insurance does not cover burst tires – and you can find out what it does cover here – but it can help you on the side of the road.
Call for Roadside Assistance
Most insurers now offer roadside assistance for an additional fee. Some insurers offer it as a basic part of their car insurance plans. Roadside assistance is exactly what it sounds like. When you are in a pickle on the side of the road, you can call your insurer and they will send someone to help you at no extra fee.
Roadside assistance is the perfect option when your tire bursts and you do not have tools on you. They will send someone who can come and do the job for you (saving your knees from the pressure of squatting for an extended period of time). Once the job is done, you can just drive away.
Don’t let roadside assistance make you complacent, though. While it will save you in many scenarios, it won’t help if you are out in the middle of nowhere and have no signal on your phone.
Phone a Friend
If you don’t have roadside assistance, your next best bet is someone who you know has your back. This could be a family member or close friend. Preferably someone as near as possible. Your first choice might not be able to make it, especially if it is in the middle of a workday, but you will likely find a kind person willing to make the trip to bring you the tools you need.
When taking this option, remember to reassure them that you will be doing all the work. Having to deal with a burst tire is bad enough for the person driving the car. Receiving a call while you’re in the middle of something important from a friend with a burst tire does not feel great. The fact that all they need to do is bring their tools along will help ensure your request doesn’t ruin their day.
Read also: Ideal Tire Pressure: What Should My Tire Pressure Be?
Find Your Nearest Gas Station
Unfortunately, there will be cases when you don’t have roadside assistance and cannot find a single person available to help you out. In this case, you will need to find your nearest gas station. Gas stations will change your tire for you if you manage to get your car there. But if you are stuck on the side of the road, they can lend you some tools to get the job done yourself.
Ideally, you will find a place close enough for a quick walk. Alternatively, you may need to use a ridesharing app to get there and back. It’s cheaper than a tow-truck will be, and it will come much more quickly as well.
It is important to always be prepared with a spare tire and the tools necessary to change it. However, sometimes the cards simply do not fall in your favor. In these cases, there are ways to get help without having to call a tow truck. Start with your insurer to see if you have roadside assistance. It is by far the best option and will save you a lot of stress and money. Read our tire pressure guide here
