Traveling at high speeds will just damage your wheel faster, as higher speeds will subject the wheel to greater forces, without the tire to protect it from bumps and debris. If you’re headed downhill, let the car coast gently on its own momentum with your foot poised on the brake.

Paved roads, parking lots or the shoulder of the highway or interstate will be your best bet.

Resist any drag created by the flat by holding the wheel steady, but don’t struggle against it so hard that it compromises your ability to steer. Turning sharply places more strain on the edges of the rim.

Pull over somewhere level in case you need to lift your car up on a jack. Don’t get out of your car until you’re sure that traffic is clear on the driver’s side. [7] X Research source

You can change a tire almost anywhere in a pinch, so don’t bother trying to find a designated parking area for your car. Get yourself to safety before worrying about how to fix your vehicle.

Don’t push yourself too hard to get to a gas station. If your destination is more than half a mile away, you’ll be better off pulling over where you are. In some cases, gas station attendants are trained to be able to help stranded drivers change flat tires. [10] X Research source If you can make it to a tire store, even better, but don’t push it. [11] X Expert Source Howard FleischmannAutomotive Tire & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 4 June 2021.

If you’re not sure how to change a tire yourself, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for a step-by-step walkthrough. Compact spare tires (also known as “donuts”) are designed to carry you about 50 miles maximum, and can only withstand speeds up to 55mph. [13] X Research source

Signing up for a roadside assistance program like AAA can be a big help should you find yourself in a bind. Typically, you can expect to wait 45 minutes to an hour for the tow truck driver to arrive. That’s still probably not much longer than it would take for you to change the tire yourself. Keep your cell phone charged when you’re on the road in case you need to place a call in the event of an emergency. [15] X Research source

Some run flat tires can allow drivers to keep going for up to 100 miles at a reduced speed before wearing out. [17] X Research source