What should I do the moment a tire fails?
Slow down smoothly, steer straight and park on the firmest, flattest ground you can. Set the brake, lower implements and switch off. Do not walk around a leaning machine until you know it is stable.
If you are near a road, use warning triangles or flashers and get yourself and others well off the road before you assess the damage.
Take a breath before you climb down. A tire failure can shift a load or tilt a machine, and the first move is often the most dangerous. Look at the ground around the tire for soft spots, holes and slopes before you step out.
- Stop on firm, level ground
- Brake on, implements down
- Make yourself visible near roads
Is it safe to keep driving?
Almost never. Driving on a flat can ruin the tire and the wheel and can make the machine unstable, especially with a loaded trailer or a front loader. Short moves at very low speed for safety reasons may be acceptable, but ask a professional if unsure.
A tire that is losing air may be hiding a nail, a rim problem or a valve fault. Do not guess.
If a loaded trailer loses a tire on a public road, ask the roadside service or highway patrol about the safest place to wait. Hazard lights, triangles and a reflective vest make you visible, and your first priority is to keep people clear of traffic.
Why are large tire repairs risky?
Large tires hold very high pressure and can explode when mounting, inflating or removing them. Working on a tire that has been run flat or overheated is even more dangerous. Many farm injuries involve tire and rim work.
Leave inflation, demounting and rim repairs to a trained tire service. They have cages, gauges and training for the job.
Do not stand in front of the tire, rim or valve while someone inflates it, and never inflate beyond the maximum printed on the tire. Even a small mistake can send metal and rubber flying, so let the professionals handle this part.
What can I do myself?
You can check for visible damage, note the position of the tire, take photos and block the other wheels so the machine cannot roll. You can also call for roadside or mobile tire service and describe the tire size printed on the sidewall.
If you use a jack, use one rated for the machine's weight on firm ground, with stands as the manual recommends. Never rely on a jack alone, and never get under a machine held by a jack.
Knowing the tire size helps a lot. It is molded into the sidewall and often differs front and back. Photograph it, write it in your phone, and add the size to your maintenance log so a shop can bring the right tire the first time.
What about trailers and trucks?
Many trailer tire failures come from old rubber, low pressure, overloading or rough roads. Spare tires and the right tools should be on board and checked before each trip. Know where the jack points are and practice before you need them.
Rules on trailer tires and loads differ by state. Check with your state transportation agency.
Spare tires for old trailers may be dry-rotted. Look for cracks and check the air in the spare itself. A flat spare is a common surprise. Make sure the lug wrench fits the nuts and that you know the correct tightening method from the manual.
How do I plan for a tire emergency?
Keep a phone number for a mobile tire service, record your tire sizes, and keep a basic kit with gloves, wheel chocks, reflective triangles, a flashlight and a tow strap. Check spares regularly, as they go flat too.
Share your location with someone when working far from home.
Ask your insurance agent whether roadside coverage applies to farm trailers and machinery. Many policies do not cover large equipment, and finding that out in the field is an unpleasant surprise that a phone call at home could prevent.
How do I prevent tire failure?
Check tires and pressure with a gauge before busy seasons and long hauls. Look for cracks, bulges, cuts and uneven wear and ask a tire professional about anything odd. Keep loads within the ratings printed in your manual.
Clear the field of stakes, wire and scrap metal where you can. A walk through a field before haying can save a tire.
Repair or replace tires with cuts, bulges or cord showing instead of hoping they last. A tire shop can tell you what is repairable. Cheap tires bought in a hurry may have different load ratings than the originals, so ask about that.
Key takeaways
- Stop safely and stabilize the machine first.
- Large tires hold dangerous pressure; leave mounting and inflating to professionals.
- Keep a kit and a mobile service contact.
- Check pressure and condition regularly.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.