You’re driving along SR 32 through Anderson — maybe heading toward Lapel, coming back from Chesterfield, or cutting through the Ohio Avenue corridor — when you hear it. That unmistakable flap-flap-flap of a flat tire. Your steering pulls hard to one side, and your stomach drops.
First: don’t panic. A flat tire on SR 32 is fixable. Here’s exactly what to do in the next few minutes, and a step-by-step look at what happens from the moment you call a tow truck to the moment you’re back on the road.
Step 1: The Moment It Happens — What to Do Before You Even Call
SR 32 runs through a busy mix of commercial strips, intersections, and rural stretches across Madison County. Where you stop matters.
Ease off the gas gradually — don’t brake hard, since a blown tire can pull sharply and sudden braking makes it worse. Signal and move right toward the shoulder, a parking lot entrance, or a side street if one is close. The commercial areas along SR 32 between Scatterfield Road and the Chesterfield stretch have several pull-off options. Turn your hazard lights on immediately and keep them flashing. And don’t drive on the rim any farther than you absolutely have to — even a short distance can damage your wheel beyond a simple tire swap.
Once you’re safely stopped, take a breath. You’re off the road, your hazards are on, and the hardest part is already done.
Step 2: Call for Help — What to Tell the Dispatcher
A few quick details help the dispatcher route the right truck to you. Where exactly are you? A nearby cross street, business name, or landmark works well — “SR 32 near the Scatterfield Road intersection” or “just east of Lapel heading toward Anderson.” What kind of vehicle? Car, SUV, pickup, van — this determines whether a wheel-lift or flatbed is the right call. And do you have a spare? If your spare is in good shape and accessible, a roadside tire change may be all you need. If it’s missing, already flat, or a worn-out donut, the dispatcher will talk through your transport options.
Step 3: What Gets Sent Out — and Why It Depends on Your Situation
Not every flat tire situation is the same.
If you have a usable spare and you’re stopped somewhere safe with decent clearance — a shoulder or a nearby lot — a technician can come to you and swap the flat on the spot. No tow needed. Roadside tire changes happen along the SR 32 corridor regularly, including near the Scatterfield Road and SR 9 intersection and the stretches heading toward Lapel and Chesterfield.
A few situations call for towing instead: no usable spare, rim or wheel damage from driving on the flat, a blowout that tore up the sidewall, or a stopping spot that’s too tight to work safely beside the vehicle.
As for which truck shows up — a wheel-lift handles most standard cars and SUVs in accessible spots. A flatbed is the better call for AWD vehicles, EVs, luxury cars, or anything with additional damage from the flat. You don’t need to figure that out yourself. Just describe your vehicle and situation when you call and the dispatcher will sort it.
Step 4: While You Wait
Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on if you’re near a travel lane, especially on the faster stretches of SR 32 heading toward Chesterfield or Lapel. If you need to step outside, stay on the far side of your vehicle away from traffic. Turn on your dome light if visibility is low, and pop your trunk if you know where the spare is — it helps the technician get started the moment they arrive.
Step 5: What Happens on Arrival
The operator will assess your tire and spare before touching anything. If a roadside swap makes sense, they’ll safely jack the vehicle, remove the flat, mount the spare, and torque the lug nuts properly — not just hand-tight. They’ll do a quick visual check of your other tires while they’re there. If a tow is needed instead, they’ll hook up your vehicle and confirm your drop-off destination before heading out.
A Quick Note on Driving With a Spare
If the technician mounts your spare and gets you moving again, keep a few things in mind. Temporary donut spares aren’t built for highway speeds or long distances — get to a tire shop the same day if possible. Full-size spares are safer for longer drives but should still be checked at your next service appointment. And pay attention to your spare’s age: tires degrade over time even when they’ve never been driven on.
Stuck on SR 32? Every Miles Towing & Wrecker Service Has You Covered
Whether you’re near the Ohio Avenue corridor in Anderson, along the commercial stretch near Scatterfield Road, or out on the rural segments toward Lapel or Chesterfield, we cover the full SR 32 corridor through Madison County.
Call (463) 223-2668 — Every Miles Towing & Wrecker Service, Anderson, IN 46016.