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When you get a flat tire, turn on youremergencylights and slow down. Pull over as soon as you seean openstretch of road away from traffic. You don't want tochangeyour tire too close to oncoming traffic.
Consequently, what do you do if you have a flat tire and no spare?
- Upgrade to a run-flat tire. Run-flats work like standardtiresbut will survive a puncture for a short period and at areducedspeed.
- Keep a tire repair kit in your car. Repair kits, which patchasmall hole to keep a tire inflated, are found more commonly incarslacking a spare.
- Make sure you have roadside assistance.
can I drive with a flat tire?
The flat tire "acts as a cushion," accordingtoCar Talk, protecting the rim of the wheel. You canthereforedrive — again, at a slow speed — forhundreds ofyards before your wheel is damaged, "though yourtire may nolonger be any good."
However, insurance companies will coverdamage toyour vehicle if a blowout or flat tire is theculprit. Forexample, if you tire blows out and causes damageto the bodyof your vehicle, you should be able to file a claim ifyou havecomprehensive coverage.