A split tire means the sidewall or tread has torn open, and you cannot drive it safely to a repair shop
A split tire is a tear or rupture in the rubber that runs deep enough to expose the inner structure. This is different from a puncture (a hole from a nail or glass) because the damage is usually larger and affects the tire's ability to hold air and support the vehicle's weight. A split can happen on the tread (the part that touches the road) or the sidewall (the curved part between the tread and the rim).
The moment you notice a split — whether you hear a loud pop, feel the steering pull to one side, or see the tire visibly damaged — you need to stop driving when ready. A split tire will lose air quickly and can fail completely, which means the rim can contact the road. This damages the wheel itself and makes the vehicle unsafe to steer.
You cannot repair a split tire. The damage is too severe and the structural integrity is compromised. Your only option is replacement. The steps below cover what to do right now and how to move forward.
Key Takeaways
- Stop driving as soon as you notice a split; continuing will damage the wheel and make steering unsafe.
- Pull to the shoulder or a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and call for roadside information or a tow truck.
- A split tire cannot be patched or plugged and must be replaced with a new tire of the same size and load rating.
- If you have a spare tire, you can drive slowly to a nearby repair shop, but do not drive on the highway or at normal speeds.
- Check your other tires for damage or wear while the damaged one is being replaced, since splits sometimes indicate an underlying problem.
Stop the vehicle and move to safety
The first step is to get off the road and away from traffic. If you are on a highway, do not try to drive to the next exit. Instead, ease off the gas, steer gently to the shoulder, and come to a stop as soon as it is safe. Avoid sudden braking, which can cause a skid.
Once you are stopped, turn on your hazard lights (the blinking light button on your dashboard). Set up a warning triangle or flares if you have them, placing them about 10 feet behind your vehicle. This warns other drivers that you are stopped. Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on if you are on a busy road; do not stand between your car and traffic.
If you are in a remote area or feel unsafe, lock the doors and call for help from inside the vehicle. Do not attempt to change the tire yourself on a highway or in heavy traffic.
Call for roadside information or a tow truck
Contact roadside information if you have a membership (AAA, your insurance company, or your car manufacturer may offer this). Tell them your location, the vehicle description, and that you have a split tire. They will dispatch a tow truck to bring you and your vehicle to a repair shop.
If you do not have roadside information, call a local towing company. Search online for "tow truck near me" or ask a friend or family member to help you find one. Have your vehicle's location ready (use your phone's GPS or landmarks) and be prepared to pay a towing fee, which typically ranges from $75 to $150 depending on distance and your area.
While you wait, stay in the vehicle with doors locked if you are in an unsafe area. If weather is severe (extreme heat, lightning), turn off the engine and wait inside with the windows cracked for air.
Using a spare tire to reach a repair shop
If you are close to a repair shop (within a few miles) and have a spare tire, you may be able to change the tire yourself and drive slowly to get it replaced. A spare tire is a temporary solution and is not rated for highway speeds or long distances. Check your vehicle's manual or the spare tire itself for the maximum speed and distance it is rated for — many spares are limited to 50 mph and 70 miles.
To change the tire, park on a flat, stable surface away from traffic. Loosen the lug nuts (the bolts holding the wheel) with the wrench before you jack up the vehicle. Place the jack under the frame (not the plastic trim) and raise the vehicle until the tire is about six inches off the ground. Remove the lug nuts completely, pull the damaged wheel straight toward you, and set it aside.
Mount the spare tire onto the lug nut bolts and push it in until it is flush against the wheel hub. Hand-tighten the lug nuts, then lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. Once the vehicle is on the ground, use the wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite sides alternately) to may support even pressure. Drive slowly and directly to a tire shop without stopping for other errands.
Replacing the split tire
When you arrive at a tire shop or repair facility, tell them you have a split tire that needs replacement. They will remove the damaged tire, inspect the wheel for damage, and install a new tire of the same size and load rating as the original. The new tire must match the specifications on your vehicle's door jamb or fuel door, which lists the correct tire size and pressure.
The replacement process takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the shop is. You will need to pay for the new tire, which costs between $100 and $300 per tire depending on the brand, size, and quality. Some shops offer warranties on new tires, which cover defects or premature wear.
Before you leave, ask the technician to inspect your other three tires for wear, damage, or low pressure. A split tire sometimes signals that your tires are old, underinflated, or misaligned — all of which can cause premature failure on the remaining tires.
Why split tires happen and how to prevent them
Split tires usually result from one of three causes: hitting a pothole or curb hard enough to damage the sidewall, driving on an underinflated tire (which causes excessive flexing and heat buildup), or age and dry rot (tires degrade over time, especially in hot climates). Less commonly, a manufacturing defect or impact with road debris can cause a split.
To reduce the risk, check your tire pressure monthly using a gauge (you can find the correct pressure on the door jamb or in your manual). Underinflated tires are the most common cause of premature failure. Avoid potholes and rough roads when possible, and drive at moderate speeds on damaged pavement. Replace tires every six to ten years, even if the tread looks acceptable, because the rubber degrades over time.
If you notice uneven wear on your tires (one side more worn than the other), have your wheel alignment checked. Misalignment causes tires to wear unevenly and fail sooner. A wheel alignment costs $75 to $200 and can extend the life of your tires significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a split tire be patched or plugged?
No. A patch or plug works only on small punctures in the tread. A split is too large and affects the tire's structural integrity, so it cannot be safely repaired. The tire must be replaced.
Is it safe to drive on a split tire to the repair shop?
Only if you have a spare tire, the shop is within a few miles, and you drive slowly (under 50 mph). A split tire loses air rapidly and can fail completely, which damages the wheel and makes steering unsafe. If the shop is far away or you do not have a spare, call a tow truck instead.
What if the split is small and the tire is still holding air?
Even a small split will grow as you drive and the tire flexes. The tire will lose air over hours or days. Do not drive on it; replace it or have it towed. Continuing to drive risks a blowout, which can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Will my insurance cover a split tire?
Most standard auto insurance policies do not cover tire replacement unless you have added roadside information or tire coverage to your policy. Check your policy documents or call your insurance company to confirm. Roadside information will cover the tow, but you pay for the new tire itself.
Why did my tire split when I did not hit anything?
Splits often happen from underinflation, age, or a previous impact you did not notice. Check your tire pressure and inspect all four tires for wear or damage. If your tires are more than six years old, have them inspected by a technician, as dry rot can cause sudden failure without an obvious cause.