Roadside Assistance
Flat Tire Change in Sacramento
Flat tire on the freeway shoulder or in a parking lot? We come to you, put the spare on, or repair the flat when the damage allows it.
A flat tire change in Sacramento can be simple in a quiet driveway and dangerous on a busy shoulder. We come to the car, remove the damaged wheel and install your spare, so you don't have to wrestle with a jack next to moving traffic.
If the tire has a simple puncture in the tread, a flat tire repair may get you back on the original tire. If the sidewall is damaged or the tire is worn out, the safe answer is the spare and a trip to a tire shop, and we'll tell you which one applies.
Signs you have a tire problem
- Tire pressure warning light on the dash
- The car pulls to one side or the steering feels heavy
- A flapping or thumping sound that changes with speed
- Visible bulge, cut or nail in the tire
- The tire looks low after sitting overnight
Flat tire change in Sacramento: freeway safety
On I-5, I-80, Highway 50 or Highway 99, traffic moves fast and shoulders can be narrow. If the tire goes flat, slow down gradually, signal, and get as far right as you can, ideally to an exit or a wide shoulder. Driving a short distance on a flat to reach a safer spot is better than stopping in a live lane.
Once stopped, turn on your hazards and stay in the car with your seatbelt on if you are close to traffic. If anyone is in danger, call 911 first, then call us.
Spare tires and flat repairs
Many cars carry a compact spare, sometimes called a donut. It is meant to get you to a tire shop, not to stay on the car. Keep your speed down and replace it with a full tire soon.
A flat tire repair is an option when the hole is small and in the tread area. Punctures in the sidewall or the shoulder of the tire can't be safely repaired, and a tire that was driven on while flat may be damaged inside even if it looks fine.
What needs a tire shop
Mounting and balancing new tires on the wheel takes shop equipment, so we don't do that on site. If you need a new tire, we'll get your spare on so you can drive to a tire shop safely.
Some cars have no spare and rely on run-flat tires or a sealant kit. Tell us when you call so we know what we are working with.
Mounting and balancing a new tire needs a tire shop. We install your spare or repair a tread puncture on site.
Flat Tire Change is one of the emergency services we can do inside HOA communities.
How a tire change call works
- 1
Tell us your location and tire
Let us know where you are, which tire is flat, and whether you have a spare. A locking lug nut key, if your car uses one, is usually in the glove box or trunk.
- 2
Inspect the damage
We look at the tire to see if a repair is possible or if the spare is the right call.
- 3
Spare on, or flat repaired
We tell you the cost first. After your OK, we install the spare or repair the puncture, and tighten the lug nuts properly.
Related services
Roadside Assistance
Stuck on a shoulder, in a parking garage or in your own driveway? A mechanic comes to your car, figures out what stopped it, and tells you the plan before touching anything.
Learn moreJump Starts
A jump gets the engine running. Finding out why the battery died keeps it from happening again tomorrow morning.
Learn moreSuspension & Steering Repair
Clunks over bumps, a steering wheel that won't sit straight, tires wearing unevenly. We find the worn part and replace it where your car is parked.
Learn moreDon't call a tow truck yet.
Most repairs happen right where your car is. Call now, or send a request and we'll call you back.