For any car owner, one of the first and foremost maintenance points is the tires. After all, a bad tire can render a car immobile, which can be pretty stressful if you’re on the road. However, this is not always the case because tires can be punctured, rendering a car immobile.
For this reason, towing services exist. Towing a flat car is not a particularly difficult task, but it can be a lot of work. It takes time, effort, and in the end, it can be quite the hassle. For this reason, you need to know the ins and outs if your flat car is being towed. Read on below to get started.
Should You Drive with a Flat Tire?
While driving with a flat tire is not a crime, it is not recommended. Driving with a flat tire is dangerous, and it can pose a danger to you, your passengers, and other people on the road. Therefore, if you believe that your tire is about to get flat, take the appropriate steps to avoid it.
The first thing you’ll likely do is pull off the road. Make sure that you make your car as safe as possible by putting it in park and ensuring that your emergency brake is on. You should deactivate the anti-lock braking system (ABS) when you do this.
Getting Your Car Towed
If you have a flat tire and you have a spare, then you’re all set. You can just switch the spare tire on for the flat one, and you can go on your merry way. However, the chances are that you don’t have a spare tire. For this reason, you’ll want to call a towing service.
Most towing services do not charge you for a flat tire change as long as you pay for the labor. However, don’t assume that every towing service does this. It’s best to call about it before you end up paying for the towing service.
If you’re not sure who to call, remember that your insurance company likely has recommendations for you. Your insurance company’s phone number is usually in that little card they gave you, so check there first. If you have a AAA, they are a great company to call, too.
In any case, when you call the towing service, you should tell them how long it will take them to get to you. This way, they won’t leave you hanging out on the side of the road.
What Not to Do
We cannot stress it enough that you shouldn’t fix it on the road because other drivers may not see you. Remember that you should have your car as visible as possible so that other drivers can see you.
If you’re going to wait for a tow truck, you should place some kind of flag in front of your car. This way, other drivers can see your vehicle and know that you’re working on it.
You should also ensure that you get other vehicles to slow down as they pass by your car. This will also help you see them, which is crucial if they get too close. The last thing you want is for a car to go up to your car and hurt you. Once the towing company arrives, they will help you with your car and move it to the nearest repair shop.
Other Things to Remember
A flat car won’t always affect your drive. There are a few other things that you should do as well. For instance, if you have an active oil leak, you should pull over immediately, turn off your car, and call a tow service. When the tow truck comes, they will be able to take care of your car correctly.
Additionally, it’s also vital that you turn off anything that might be on in the car. This would include lights, the radio, and any other device that may be on. This can help you save on battery life and buy you some additional time.
Conclusion
Having a flat tire is an inconvenience, and it can be quite the hassle to change it on the road. However, if you have a good towing service, it’s not as bad as it seems. They will help you change your tire, as well as move your car to the nearest repair shop. As long as you maintain composure in the situation, you’ll have little to no problems.
If you’re looking for a cheap towing service in Atlanta, Tow Atlanta has got your back! We offer various towing services for cars and motorcycles, all for affordable prices. Contact us today to learn more!