You should avoid using a space saver on a dirt road or trail if at all possible.Īnd even if you have a full-size spare with a matching tire and wheel, it’s still possible to puncture more than one tire at a time.

Space savers, or donuts, are only designed to get you a very short distance at very low speeds across town to the tire shop, basically.

It’s become less and less common for new vehicles to come equipped with a full-size spare tire. In both cases, avoid risking further damage to the tire or vehicle by finding the first safe location to pull off the road or trail. Off-road, at lower speeds, you’ll likely hear that thumping before you feel it. On a paved road, if your steering wheel starts to wobble vaguely in your hands, or if you hear a loud thumping sound that coincides with your wheels’ rotation, then you’ve got a flat tire.

Since tire punctures are by far the most common problem a vehicle will experience and something more likely to happen on dirt roads and since you can’t always count on your spare tire, it makes sense for us to arm ourselves with the tools and knowledge it takes to repair them ourselves. Outdoor enthusiasts are more subject than most to having to deal with a vehicle breakdown in a remote location where immediate help may not be available.

Fix a flat tire