If the flat came from a pothole, look at the tire sidewall and the wheel before putting the spare on. A bulge, a bent rim or a tire that will not hold air means the wheel is damaged, not just flat. Call Providence Towing at (401) 249-4432 to have the tire changed or the car moved.
A flat in Providence is not always just a flat. If you hit a pothole first, the tire may be fine and the wheel bent, or the tire may have a sidewall bulge that never leaks until it fails. Walk around the wheel before anything else and look for a crease in the rim or a bubble in the rubber.
If the tire is simply low or punctured by something in the tread, swapping on the spare is a short job. If the wheel is bent or the sidewall is torn, the spare may not solve it and the car may need to be moved instead.
Is it the tire or the wheel?
A puncture in the tread is the easy case: the tire loses air, the rim is straight, and a spare gets you moving. Sidewall damage is different, because that part of the tire cannot be repaired in the usual way and should be replaced.
A bent rim can leak at the bead where it meets the tire, so a tire that goes flat again after you add air points to the wheel, not the rubber.
Can I drive on the spare?
Check what you have. A compact spare has its own limits printed on the sidewall, and a full-size spare may be the wrong size for your car. Check the pressure too, since spares sit untouched for years and are often low.
If the lug nuts will not turn, stop forcing them. A slipped wrench on a wet road is how people get hurt. Call and describe the problem.
What if I'm stuck in a parking lot?
Give the driver the level, the row or the nearest sign. Parking structures have low clearance and tight turns, and the driver needs to know what the truck must fit through to reach you.
Do I need a tow if I have a spare?
Not always. If the wheel is straight and the lug nuts come off, the spare may be enough. If the wheel is bent or the sidewall is damaged, ask about a tow instead.
How do I know if a pothole damaged my wheel?
Look for a crease or flat spot on the rim and a bubble on the tire sidewall. A tire that keeps losing air after you refill it also points to the wheel.
What should I tell dispatch when I call?
Say where you are, the make and model, which wheel is flat, and whether the lug nuts will turn. Mention if the car is in a garage or lot with limited access.