
Flat tires are an unfortunate but common occurrence on American roadways. According to AAA, tire-related problems amount to one-third of all roadside emergencies. There are many tow truck companies in the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano area, and they deal with this problem day and night.
If you’ve checked your trunk and didn’t see a spare tire, you might wonder why your vehicle doesn’t come with one. Many automakers are eliminating spare tires in an effort to increase room and increase fuel mileage. Check your own vehicle to see if this comes standard. If not, it may be a good idea to get spare tire for emergencies.
Some automakers are providing tire-inflating kits that can act as a temporary solution. These kits will provide temporary inflation to get your vehicle to a service station or tire shop.
Tire sealant is an inexpensive and commonly available product, but the use of these products can be complicated as there are pros and cons to them. The obvious advantage is that your tire will re-inflate and you can drive again. Preventative sealants will also extend the life of tires. For example if you have to always drive in a rough terrain or through job sites that may have nails on the ground and nearby. The real downside is canned tire sealant can also permanently ruin your tire if it isn’t dispersed thoroughly enough and pools in one place. It may also damage tire sensors, giving a false constant reading. Please be warned that some service places won’t repair a tire that’s been treated with tire sealant as there are safety issues, such as spontaneous ignition.
Should you change your own flat tire, or call someone? You may be able to change your car’s flat tire yourself if you were at your own driveway, but during a real-world situation, where you’re on the side of a road with traffic zooming by at a high rate of speed, it’s best to call roadside assistance if you have it. You may have roadside assistance and not even know it! Many insurance companies and automakers provide this service. If you don’t have roadside assistance, call the Toyota of Plano service department and we will help arrange a tow truck for you.
When you get your tires inspected, remember to have the fifth one expected too!