Zapone recommends car owners do the following things to avoid a flat tire becoming a major problem. “Always make sure you have a spare tire that‘s fully inflated and not damaged if the vehicle is a few years old, ideally you should check the spare tire once a month.

Also in the summer when it‘s warm and dry, every driver, whether male or female, should at least practice changing a tire properly so you learn things like where the jack should be placed under the vehicle and how to safely lift, fit and tighten the spare tire.“

Zapone says vehicle owners should check tire condition and pressure at least once a week for rips, tears and wear. If a tire mysteriously starts losing air pressure, don‘t keep filling it up. Have it checked by a reputable tire shop for leaks or damage. Also it‘s vital to check tire air pressure as 70 percent of vehicles on the road have at least one tire that is improperly inflated by more than 10 percent.

Zapone also recommends carrying emergency tire repair sealants sprays and foams that you either inject into a flat tire via the tire valve or is forced into the tire through the car‘s 12 volt power outlet.

“There are a few emergency tire repair sealants out there and some are good for a 100 kilometers or so of road use depending on what type you buy“ But he stresses “The emergency tire repair sprays are just that, don‘t expect to keep the tire going. It needs to be fixed as soon as possible or it will fail again.“

Ultimately to deal with flats tires a combination of regular inspections and tire pressure maintenance, keeping a good spare in the trunk, learning how to change a tire and carrying a can of emergency tire repair sealant is the best way of making a flat tire a less traumatic experience.

“Or you might have to pay me to come rescue you,” Zapone smiles.