A flat tire on the side of Mass Ave or Route 2 doesn’t always mean you’re stuck changing it yourself. As an arlington towing company that handles flat tire calls every week, we get this question often: can you actually tow a car with a flat tire, or do you need to fix it on the spot first?
Quick Answer: Yes, you can tow a car with a flat tire. Flatbed towing is the safest method since no wheels touch the road, and it’s often a better choice than changing a tire roadside, especially in traffic, bad weather, or if your car doesn’t have a usable spare.
In This Article
Can You Tow a Car With a Flat Tire?
Yes. A towing company arlington drivers call for flat tires will almost always recommend a tow, especially with flatbed equipment, since the flat tire never has to touch or roll on the road. This avoids further damage to the tire, rim, and surrounding suspension components.
Roadside assistance crews are also equipped to change a flat tire on-site with a spare, when one is available and in usable condition, so towing isn’t always the only option.
When to Tow vs. Change the Tire Yourself
Changing a tire yourself can work in low-traffic, well-lit conditions with a good spare and working equipment. But several situations call for a tow instead: a flat on a busy road like Route 2, a blown-out tire, stuck or rusted lug nuts, a spare that’s also flat, or simply not feeling safe roadside. In these cases, calling an arlington tow company is the safer choice.
Flat tire and unsure what to do? We’ll handle it.
What If Your Car Doesn’t Have a Spare?
Many newer vehicles no longer come with a full-size spare tire, and some skip a spare entirely in favor of a tire inflator kit or run-flat tires. If your inflator kit doesn’t resolve the issue, or your run-flat has already failed, towing services arlington drivers rely on become the only real option to get the car to a shop safely.
Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift for a Flat Tire
| Method | Best For | Flat Tire Safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Flatbed Towing | All vehicles, especially AWD or low-clearance cars | Yes — no wheels touch the road |
| Wheel-Lift Towing | Standard vehicles, short distances | Usually, if the flat tire is lifted off the ground |
What to Do If You Get a Flat in Arlington
- Pull over to the safest available spot, as far from traffic as possible.
- Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
- Check whether you have a usable spare and the tools to change it.
- If not, or if it’s unsafe to change roadside, call an arlington towing service for flatbed pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tow truck fix a flat tire on the spot?
Yes, most roadside assistance crews carry the tools needed to install a spare tire, provided you have one and it’s in usable condition.
Is it safe to drive a short distance on a flat tire?
Generally no. Driving even briefly on a flat can damage the rim and surrounding components, making a tow the safer and often cheaper option long-term.
Do all tow trucks handle flat tires the same way?
No. Flatbed trucks are the safest choice since the tire never touches the road, while wheel-lift trucks may still work depending on which wheel is flat.
What if my car doesn’t have a spare tire?
If your inflator kit or run-flat tire doesn’t solve the problem, towing to a repair shop is typically the only remaining option.
How much does it cost to tow a car with a flat tire?
Cost depends on distance and vehicle type. Contact an arlington towing company directly for a transparent quote before dispatch.
Don’t risk driving on a flat. Call for a safe tow.
About the Author: Arlington Tow Pro is a licensed and insured towing company arlington drivers have relied on for years, offering flatbed towing, wheel-lift towing, and 24/7 roadside assistance across Arlington, Natick, Ashland, and Wellesley. Read our guide on flatbed vs. wheel-lift towing or what to do if your car breaks down.