Quick Answer: Pull over safely, turn on hazards, and exit away from traffic. If the tire destroyed the wheel or damaged suspension, you need a tow. Emergency highway tows typically cost $150-400 depending on distance and time of day. Don’t attempt repairs on busy highways.
What To Do
Keep the wheel straight and grip firmly. Don’t slam the brakes or jerk the steering wheel. A sudden blowout creates a strong pull toward the flat side. Counteract it with steady, firm pressure rather than overcorrecting. Your instinct to brake hard is wrong here.
Gradually slow down by easing off the gas. Let the car decelerate naturally. Once you drop below roughly 30 mph, you can apply light, steady brake pressure if needed. Above that speed, braking aggressively on a blown tire risks a spin.
Pull completely off the highway onto the shoulder or emergency lane. Get as far right as possible. Every extra foot between you and live traffic matters. Aim for a straight, flat section of shoulder rather than a curve where oncoming vehicles have less reaction time.
Turn on hazard lights immediately and raise your hood if safe to do so. The raised hood is a universal distress signal and helps highway patrol spot you faster, especially at night or in low visibility.
Exit the vehicle on the side away from traffic. Move behind a barrier or far from the roadway. Statistics from the FHWA consistently show that people standing near disabled vehicles on interstates are at serious risk from distracted or impaired drivers drifting onto the shoulder.
Assess the damage. Check whether the tire has simply deflated or actually shredded. A shredded tire frequently wraps around suspension components or contacts the wheel well. Look at the rim, the lower control arm, and the fender liner before deciding whether a simple spare swap is realistic.
Call for help. Use your roadside assistance or call a tow truck directly. Give the dispatcher your direction of travel, the nearest mile marker or highway exit, and describe any visible damage to help them send the right equipment.
Wait in a safe location away from your vehicle and traffic until help arrives. If there is a concrete barrier nearby, stand on the far side of it, not between the barrier and your car.
Photo: Pexels
When You Need a Tow vs. Tire Change
Tow required if:
- Wheel rim is bent or cracked
- Suspension damage visible (bent strut, broken control arm, torn CV boot)
- Fender rubbing against tire area
- Multiple tire damage
- Unsafe shoulder conditions (narrow lane, heavy traffic, sharp curve, night with no lighting)
Roadside tire change possible if:
- Only tire damage, wheel intact
- Safe, wide shoulder available with at least 6 feet of clearance
- You have a proper spare tire, not a compact temporary spare if you are more than 50 miles from a shop
- Daylight and good weather
- The flat is on the passenger side, away from moving traffic
Note: compact “donut” spares are rated for a maximum of 50 mph and typically no more than 50-70 miles. If your nearest tire shop is farther than that, reconsider changing it yourself versus taking a controlled tow.
What It Might Cost
Emergency tow costs:
- Basic highway tow: $150-250
- After hours/weekends: $200-350
- Long distance (over 10 miles): $300-500
- Flatbed service: Add $50-100
Factors affecting price:
- Time of day (nights cost more)
- Distance to shop or home
- Truck type needed
- Location accessibility
Most roadside assistance plans cover basic towing, but check your mileage limits. AAA basic membership, for example, covers only the first 5 miles, while premium tiers cover up to 100 miles. Your credit card may also include roadside assistance as a benefit worth checking before you pay out of pocket.
Common Questions
Q: Can I drive slowly on a flat tire to get off the highway? A: You can crawl a very short distance (under a quarter mile) at low speed to reach a safer spot or exit ramp, but driving further destroys the rim and can damage the brake rotor, suspension, and wheel well. If you are already on a safe shoulder, stop immediately.
Q: My spare is in the trunk but the shoulder is tight. Should I still change it myself? A: If you have less than about 4-5 feet of clearance between your car and live traffic, do not attempt a roadside change. Call a tow instead. No tire is worth the risk of being struck while crouched next to a wheel.
Q: Will my car insurance cover the tow after a blowout? A: Standard liability policies do not cover towing. You need either a roadside assistance add-on, comprehensive coverage with towing benefits, or a separate roadside plan. Check your declarations page or call your insurer before you need a tow so you know exactly what is covered.
Photo: Pexels
Stay Safe
- Never change tires on busy highways or narrow shoulders
- If you must stay with the vehicle, sit in the passenger seat away from traffic
- Wear bright clothing if you have any
- Place reflective triangles 100 feet behind your car if available
- Keep doors unlocked in case you need to move quickly
- Don’t accept help from strangers on busy highways
Need roadside help? Visit Tow With The Flow for real answers when your car breaks down.