Should I Call a Tow Truck for a Flat Tire in London, Ontario?
You're driving down Highway 401, through Masonville, or along Richmond Street when you hear that unmistakable thump-thump-thump. Flat tire. Now what?
Should you call a tow truck? A tire shop? AAA? Your buddy with a jack?
The answer depends on a few factors — and knowing the difference can save you time, money, and a whole lot of roadside stress. Here's what London drivers need to know.
Can a Tow Truck Change My Flat Tire on the Spot?
Yes — most tow trucks and roadside assistance services can change your flat tire right where you are, as long as you have a serviceable spare.
When you call (226) 476-4176, here's what typically happens:
- The driver arrives with the tools needed (jack, lug wrench, safety equipment)
- They swap your flat for your spare tire (if it's inflated and in good shape)
- You're back on the road in 15–20 minutes
No tow required. No shop visit. Just a quick tire swap and you're good to go.
Important: If you don't have a spare — or your spare is also flat, damaged, or missing — the driver will need to tow your vehicle to a tire shop instead. More on that below.
What If I Don't Have a Spare Tire?
Not all vehicles come with spares anymore. Many newer cars (especially hybrids and EVs) use run-flat tires or tire repair kits instead.
If you don't have a spare:
- The tow truck driver cannot swap your tire on-site
- Your car will need to be towed to a tire shop for repair or replacement
- You may be able to use a tire sealant kit if the puncture is small and in the tread (not the sidewall)
Pro tip: Before you need it, check your trunk. Know whether you have a spare, a donut (temporary spare), or a repair kit. It makes a huge difference when you're stranded on Wellington Road or the 402.
Should I Call a Tow Truck or a Tire Shop?
It depends on where you are and what you need.
Call a tow truck or roadside service if:
- You're on the highway, shoulder, or anywhere unsafe
- You don't have a spare
- Your spare is flat or damaged
- You're not comfortable changing the tire yourself
- It's night, winter, or raining (safety first)
Call a tire shop directly if:
- You're already at home or in a parking lot
- You need a new tire purchased and installed (not just swapped)
- You want mobile tire service to come to you with a replacement
In most emergency situations — especially on the road — calling a tow truck is faster and safer. We get to you quickly, assess the situation, and either change the tire or tow you to the nearest shop.
Call us anytime: (226) 476-4176
How Much Does Roadside Tire Service Cost in London?
Pricing varies depending on the service and provider, but here's what you can generally expect:
- On-site tire change (using your spare): $50–$100
- Towing to a tire shop: Typically $75–$150 depending on distance
- After-hours or highway calls: May include a surcharge
If you have CAA, insurance roadside coverage, or a warranty plan, the service may be partially or fully covered. Always mention this when you call — we work with most major providers.
Not sure? Call (226) 476-4176) and we'll give you a quote on the spot.
Is It Safe to Drive on a Spare Tire or Donut?
Yes, but only temporarily.
Most spare tires (especially "donut" spares) are designed for short-term use only:
- Speed limit: Usually 80 km/h max
- Distance limit: Around 80–100 km
- Purpose: Get you safely to a tire shop, not across the province
Do not:
- Drive on the highway for extended periods
- Take sharp turns at speed
- Ignore the tire pressure (check it before driving)
If you're in Byron, White Oaks, or Lambeth and just need to get to a nearby tire shop, a spare will do the job. If you're farther out — say, coming back from St. Thomas or Woodstock — consider having your vehicle towed instead.
For highway breakdowns near the 401 or 402, check our guide on highway recovery.
What Happens If My Tire Can't Be Fixed?
If your tire has a sidewall puncture, major damage, or the spare is unusable, you'll need to have your car towed to a tire shop for a replacement.
Here's how it works:
- The tow truck driver inspects the tire and spare
- If neither is usable, they load your car onto the flatbed
- You choose where to go (or we can recommend a nearby shop)
- The shop replaces the tire and gets you back on the road
Most tire shops in London (Masonville area, Wonderland Road, etc.) can handle same-day replacements if they have your size in stock.
Want to avoid the tow entirely? Keep a properly inflated spare in your trunk and check it every few months.
Can I Change the Tire Myself?
Sure — if you're comfortable and it's safe to do so.
You'll need:
- A car jack (and a solid, flat surface to use it on)
- A lug wrench
- A working spare tire
- Hazard lights, reflective triangles, or a safety vest
Skip the DIY if:
- You're on a busy road or highway
- It's dark, icy, or raining
- You're in a sketchy area (Dundas Street at 2 a.m.? Call us.)
- You've never done it before
Roadside assistance exists for a reason. Don't risk your safety to save $75. Call (226) 476-4176 and let a pro handle it.
What About Run-Flat Tires?
Run-flat tires are designed to keep working even after a puncture — but they still need attention.
What you should know:
- You can typically drive 80 km at reduced speed after a puncture
- The tire may still need to be replaced (even if it "feels fine")
- Don't assume you can skip the repair — get it checked ASAP
If your car has run-flats and you're unsure whether it's safe to drive, call us. We can inspect it on-site and advise whether you need a tow or can make it to the shop.
Flat Tire Checklist: What to Do Right Now
Here's your step-by-step if you get a flat:
- Pull over safely — shoulder, parking lot, or side street
- Turn on hazard lights and assess the situation
- Check for a spare — is it inflated and usable?
- Call for help if you're on a highway, it's unsafe, or you don't have a spare: (226) 476-4176)
- Stay in the car if you're on a busy road — let the professionals handle it
If you're in a parking lot at White Oaks Mall or your driveway in Hyde Park, you may be fine swapping it yourself. If you're on the 401 near Westmount or stuck in a snowstorm in Lambeth, call us.
Common Questions About Flat Tires in London
Q: How long does it take for a tow truck to arrive?
A: Typically 20–30 minutes in the London area. Highway calls may be faster depending on traffic.
Q: Will my insurance cover the cost?
A: Many auto policies include roadside assistance. Check your policy or call your insurer.
Q: Can I drive a short distance on a flat tire?
A: Not recommended. You'll damage the wheel, suspension, and possibly the brake system. It'll cost way more to fix than just calling a tow truck.
Q: What if I get a flat tire in the winter?
A: Same process, but even more reason to call for help. Ice, snow, and freezing temps make roadside tire changes dangerous. We're equipped for winter conditions — you don't have to be. Need a battery boost too? We handle that as well.
Q: Do you tow to any tire shop I want?
A: Yes. You choose where we take you, or we can recommend a nearby option.
For more roadside questions, visit our FAQ page.
The Bottom Line
If you have a working spare and it's safe, a tow truck can swap your tire on-site in minutes.
If you don't have a spare, or it's not safe to change roadside, we'll tow you to the nearest tire shop.
Either way, you're not stuck.
EmsTowing serves London, Ontario, and surrounding areas including Byron, Masonville, White Oaks, Hyde Park, Lambeth, Westmount, St. Thomas, and Woodstock. We're available 24/7 for flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and emergency towing.
Call us anytime: (226) 476-4176
Fast. Friendly. No runaround. Just help when you need it.