How to Change a Flat Tire near Greencastle, PA
Getting a flat tire while you’re cruising down Route 11 in your Subaru Crosstrek or Impreza can be a frightening and frustrating experience, especially if you’re caught unprepared. Learning how to address this stressful eventuality and equipping your vehicle to handle it safely can save you a lot of grief, so the Service Department here at Sheehy Subaru of Hagerstown assembled this guide to help!
Preparing Your Tools
Sadly, a flat tire is something that can happen any time and anywhere. All it takes is one stray nail or deep pothole, no matter if you’re taking a short trip across Greencastle or are on an extended road trip. Luckily, attaching a replacement doesn’t require too many tools, and it’s easy to keep your Ascent or Forester stocked with the right ones. The first thing you’ll need, of course, is a functioning donut. Many models have one of these tucked beneath the cargo area, but your vehicle might’ve come with a tire resealant and repair kit instead. Next, you’ll need a jack, lug wrench, and tire pressure gauge. A set of wheel wedges is optional, but provides extra stability as you work. You should also be sure that the Owner’s Manual is secured in the glove box, because it contains critical information that you’ll need to get back on the road safely.
Getting Started
If the tire on your vehicle pops on the way to Enoch Brown Memorial Park, the very first thing to do is pull over into a well-lit, level area that is as far away from traffic as possible. Once you’re stopped, activate the parking brake and turn on the hazard lights before stepping out of the car. Next, use the wrench you packed away to loosen the lug nuts on the damaged tire by a half-turn counterclockwise. Now, fetch the Owner’s Manual from the glovebox and consult it to see where you should place the jack under the vehicle before using it to get a few inches of elevation. When it’s up, fully remove the lug nuts and place them where you won’t lose them. Finally, you’ll want to carefully extract the old tire and set it aside. If you have any questions about these steps, feel free to complete our Ask a Tech form.
Final Steps
With the old, damaged tire out of the way, the next phase is to attach the spare. Start by aligning it with the wheel bolts and pushing it onto them. When it’s settled, start screwing the lug nuts on by hand in a star pattern — this ensures that pressure is evenly applied. Once the tire feels secure, use the jack to ease the vehicle back onto the ground. Use the lug wrench to tighten each nut once more until they are firm, then grab the tire gauge and use it to verify that the spare is filled to the PSI recommended by the Owner’s Manual. If it checks out, you’re now safe to get back on the road. Bear in mind that a spare tire, sometimes called a donut, is not designed to be used for more than 50 miles or at speeds higher than 45 to 50 MPH. It’s imperative that you stop by our Tire Center for a full replacement as soon as possible!
How Long Can I Drive On a Spare Tire?
- You should drive on a spare tire for no more than 50 miles.
Dealership Information
Testimonials
Buying a used Subaru from Sheehy was an amazing experience!
It was a great experience.
“ We did not go to Sheehey with the intent of buying a car just to window shop. The selection was good and the sales staff very helpful. It was a great experience. Manny and Michelle were tops. Having been a happy Subaru Outback for 11 years. We purchased a 2025 Outback XT Touring. Looking forward to many more happy years. ”
I would recommend anyone in the market for a car to at least give Sheehy a chance.
“ I bought a car over the weekend of 09/06/2025. I purchased a beautiful crystal pearl white 2025 Subaru Forester Touring with Java brown interior. My sales man, Kevin Stallman, is such a personal and enjoyable guy to talk to. Felt more like a friend of a friend than a sales man. He cared more about getting me the right car for the right price. Helping me test drive multiple cars, debating price, added accessories. The finance manager, Michelle Garret, is a delightful person to talk to as well. She offered great assistance in answering all my questions and getting me squared away with my final signature. The whole place felt like a family rather than a pressuring sales joint. I would recommend anyone in the market for a car to at least give Sheehy a chance. ”
Just bought my first brand new car yesterday and couldn’t be happier!
“ Just bought my first brand new car yesterday and couldn’t be happier! Godwill helped us out and wasn’t pushy at all. He was very understanding and made sure all of our concerns were taken care of. He was very kind, helpful, and transparent with all the costs, which I appreciated as a first time buyer. Noah was also very friendly and made sure I got the best deal with financing. He was also very honest. Super excited about my 2025 Subaru crosstrek premium! Thank you Sheehy Hagerstown! ”
Kept me informed
“ Tysheem was a great salesperson kept me informed and answered my million questions throughout the couple days before I came in. 10/10 recommend asking for him when you go in. Max was great and gave me a paw print license plate frame to match my steering wheel cover thanks! He also worked with me about my title and had someone come pick it up I even got to peel some peelies off the car Thanks guys ”
Great Price on my 2024 Crosstrek Sport Leo was an awesome sales rep ask for him!
Very Impressed
“ Went to the Grand Opening last week was very impressed with the turn out and all they had to offer. They really went all out. ”
Best experience buying a car that we ever had
“ We bought a new car there this week and it was the best experience buying a car that we ever had. Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable about their cars. They treated us like family and we felt the same way. Thank you for taking care of us! ”
Very Fair and transparent buying experience
“ Very Fair and transparent buying experience that was able to be completed quickly without pressure. I purchased a '23 Outback for under MSRP with no markups. Definitely recommend, Sheehy will be my first stop next time I need a car ”
responsive and patient
“ I went to this location in researching a vehicle purchase. The staff were responsive and patient with questions. Knowledge of the vehicles were impressive and test driving the vehicles was a hassle free experience. I would recommend this location to consider for your next purchase. ”
fantastic experience
“ I had a fantastic experience at Sheehy while buying my Subaru Crosstrek! Our salesman Carlos was extremely helpful the whole time and made the buying process easy. He was so personable and knowledgeable about the product, it helped me feel very confident in making my decision. Once I had picked my car, Carlos went through every feature and button with me so I could have the best ride home. Every person we worked with there had our best interest in mind and it made it the best car buying experience I’ve had to date. I’d recommend Sheehy Subaru to anyone in the market for a new car! ”
Amazing!
“ Leo and the manager Kate are amazing here, I got a great deal on this beautiful WRX. Leo was so understanding and patient with me through this whole process! He didn’t want me to leave without a car, he worked so hard for me and I finally went home with my first car for a great deal. I can say if you go in and ask for Leo you’re most definitely going home with a car. He made me feel like family. Still checking in on me and my car so I’m happy. ”
Very Knowledgeable
“ I would definitely recommend Dylan Donnelly, he was very knowledgeable. I normally despise car shopping, but it was very easy to work with him. We started out looking at new Subaru's but were really impressed with the certified used inventory. We ended up getting two like new Outbacks and couldn't be happier. Even with the inflated market, I feel we got a good deal especially considering the included 100k warranty. He even brought the vehicle's to us when it was time to sign paperwork. ”
Worked extra hard
“ The sales department worked extra hard to get me the vehicle I wanted in the color I wanted. ”
from beginning to end was a good experience
“ I just purchased a used Subaru from these guys and from beginning to end was a good experience. Ask for Anthony Voisinet in sales, great guy and very knowledgeable in Subaru's. Max as Sales Mgr. was also a great guy and very polite and professional. I will be back for my new one! No doubt. ”
Purchased my first new car today
“ Purchased my first new car today. A Subaru Ascent, Limited! To say I am pleased with my experience would be an understatement. First, Leo, the sales rep was amazing to work with. He is very personable and outgoing, I will work with him again in the future! Kat the finance manager, she’s so sweet and takes the time to go over all the details of your purchase and explain how things work for you. Definitely a great finance manager to work with. Lastly, Kate, the sales manager, wonderful woman! She was great to talk with and share a real conversation with. I will 100% return because of her and the rest of the team! Thank you all for a great buying experience! ”
FANTASTIC!!
“ This is the second vehicle we have bought from Sheehy Subaru and they didn't disappoint for round two! Leo was FANTASTIC!! He even came in on his day off because we couldn't finish out the first evening we came down. Kate was also wonderful! Even when it looked like the sale wouldn't go through, we laughed and enjoyed getting to know each other. They were able to give us a deal we felt comfortable with, and even went above and beyond in making sure it was all completed - to the point of bringing the vehicle and paperwork to our home later that night. I will continue to return to Sheehy because the sales staff is the best we've ever experienced (and we've experienced quite a few). Both times it has been best car buying experience we've ever had. ”
Best Experience
“ Recently purchased a 2021 Subaru Legacy Limited from Sheehy Subaru in Hagerstown and it was the best experience anyone could ask for! While working with Devante, he was able to provide me with great insight and lead me towards the vehicle I wanted. He was very patient and gave great advice when looking through each of the vehicles before making a purchase. Max was also very helpful in discussing the financing plans/options which can be one of the most stressful decisions in buying a vehicle. Thanks to Devante and Max, the car buying experience was very simple and exciting! ”
Service Department 100%.
“ I am super excited about my trip to your service center. Everyone was so courteous and helpful from my first encounter to the finish. I am rating your Service Department 100%. ”
Great experience!
“ Great experience! Michael DeJesus is professional, knowledgeable, personable, and best of all - not pushy. He really knows the product and worked hard to meet the vehicle needs of my family. I would definitely come back here and recommend to others. ”
“ Buying a used Subaru from Sheehy was an amazing experience! Marley was spectacular as a salesman! He went out of his way to make the buying experience extremely easy. He made me feel comfortable the entire time. He spent the time to answer all my questions, go over all the facts, explain all the numbers, and made sure I understood everything. He even went as far as returning my rental vehicle to Enterprise for me while I was finishing up paperwork with Zach. The finance manager Zach was just as exceptional as Marley! He also took the time to explain all my options with an extended warranty and service and made sure I understood all the facts and dollar amounts. Both gentlemen were extremely professional, polite, and took a genuine interest in my needs for a car. I spent time speaking with both men about our families and our lives and felt that they both were exceptional family men of high standards who took an interest in their customers as real people and were not only trying to sell cars. I highly recommend Sheehy Subaru to anyone looking for a used or new Subaru. When my daughter is ready next year to buy her next car, our first stop will be to see Marley at Sheehy Subaru. ”