Flat Tire Change in Knoxville, TN
Changing a tire a few feet from traffic on I-40 or Alcoa Highway is no one’s idea of a good time. Call us and we’ll mount your spare, tighten the lug nuts properly and check the pressure before you drive off. 24/7 across Knoxville and Knox County.
Do this, not that
What you do in the first few minutes after a flat makes the difference between a quick tire change and a damaged wheel, or worse. Here is what we tell every caller.
✓Do
- Slow down graduallyHold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas and let the car slow before you steer to the shoulder.
- Get well off the roadTake the next exit or a parking lot if you can do it slowly. The wider the shoulder, the safer the change.
- Hazards on, parking brake setMake the car visible and keep it from rolling.
- Check the trunkLook for a spare, a jack and the wheel lock key. Tell us what you find when you call.
✕Don’t
- Don’t slam the brakesHard braking on a blown tire can pull the car sharply to one side.
- Don’t keep driving on itA few miles on a flat can ruin the wheel, not just the tire, and turn a $50 fix into a big bill.
- Don’t change it next to trafficIf the flat is on the traffic side of a narrow shoulder, wait for us in the car with your seatbelt on.
- Don’t jack it on soft groundGrass, gravel and slopes let a jack slip. That’s one of the most common ways people get hurt.
Done right, not just done fast
We park to shield the work area, set out what’s needed and lift the car from the proper jack point. The lug nuts are tightened in a star pattern so the wheel seats evenly, then checked again once the car is back on the ground.
Before you leave, we check the spare’s pressure. A spare that’s been sitting in the trunk for years is often low. If it isn’t safe to drive on, we tell you, and we can tow the car to a tire shop instead.
What’s in your trunk?
Not every car carries the same thing. Here’s what each option means for you.
Same size as your other tires. We mount it and you can usually drive normally until the flat is repaired.
Smaller and lighter, built for short trips at reduced speed. Get to a tire shop soon.
Sealant and a small compressor. Fine for a simple puncture, useless for a sidewall cut. If it can’t be fixed, we tow.
Tire change price
Where the car is, the time of day and whether there’s a usable spare all change the job. Here are the typical ranges in the Knoxville area. You get the exact price on the phone, before we roll.
Ranges only. Exact price confirmed before work starts.
Flat tire questions
How much does a flat tire change cost in Knoxville?
Most roadside tire changes with your own spare run $50–$100, depending on the time and the location. We confirm the exact price on the phone before we roll.
What if I don’t have a spare?
Many newer cars come with a repair kit instead of a spare. If the tire can’t be fixed with the kit, or the wheel is damaged, we can tow the vehicle to a tire shop or to your home. Local tows of up to about 10 miles typically run $75–$195.
Can you remove a wheel lock without the key?
Look first: the wheel lock key is often in the glove box, the console or with the jack in the trunk. If it’s truly missing, tell us when you call so we can plan for it. In some cases a tow to a tire shop is the better option.
How far can I drive on a donut spare?
Most compact spares are meant for short distances at reduced speed, often around 50 mph. Check the sidewall of the spare and your owner’s manual, and get the flat repaired or replaced as soon as you can.
Stuck with a flat?
Call our 24/7 line. We confirm the price and get someone to you.