A flat tire on a Decatur side street with a spare in the trunk

The situation

A driver hears the tire let go after hitting a pothole, pulls onto a residential side street, and finds the sidewall damaged. There is a factory donut spare under the trunk floor.

The street is narrow, with cars parked on both sides.

What actually mattered

• Whether a usable spare and the jack hardware were actually in the vehicle.
• Whether the car was on a safe, reasonably level surface for lifting.
• That a donut spare is a temporary, speed-limited part, not a repair.

How the call went

• The spare and tools were confirmed by phone before dispatch.
• The vehicle was repositioned slightly for a safe lift, and the spare was installed on site.
• The driver left with clear instructions about the donut's speed and distance limits and the need to get a real tire fitted promptly.

The takeaway

A tire change on the roadside is only possible when a usable spare is present. Checking that first is what keeps the call from becoming a tow.