Flat tire problem

Latest answer — July 15, 2026

28 Across

When your ride goes flat, it might be a sneaky escape of something essential! 🛞

Scroll down for rest of crossword answers

WaPo Crossword

This clue's Wednesday, July 15, 2026 appearance

Tap a square to reveal a letter.

Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.

Across

  1. 1Gerrit who won the 2023 AL Cy Young Award
  2. 5Patient contributions
  3. 11Capitol Hill fig.
  4. 14Assert
  5. 15Natural light shows
  6. 16Pub quaff
  7. 17*Yet-to-be-revealed ability
  8. 19Sleep acronym
  9. 20Menopause treatment, briefly
  10. 21Fragrances
  11. 22Nonverbal greeting
  12. 23Consecrate
  13. 25*Fundraising events for some libraries
  14. 28Flat tire problem
  15. 31Playwright O'Neill
  16. 32Nevada city near Lake Tahoe
  17. 33Horned equine
  18. 37Capital of Switzerland?
  19. 38*Airport announcement
  20. 41Moody rock genre
  21. 44"Now, listen ... "
  22. 45Speller's phrase
  23. 49Martin of TV's "Mission: Impossible"
  24. 51Person from Ljubljana, e.g.
  25. 53*First Amendment guarantee
  26. 57Audacity
  27. 58Challenge for a biker
  28. 59"Rebecca" novelist du Maurier
  29. 62__ al-Fitr
  30. 63De Armas of "Knives Out"
  31. 64Spies with divided loyalties, and what the answers to the starred clues are
  32. 67First number in many countdowns
  33. 68Likable enough
  34. 69Get together
  35. 70NNW opposite
  36. 71Warns
  37. 72Bygone Palm smartphone

Down

  1. 1Feature of some wedding receptions
  2. 2Rest on top of
  3. 3Speaker's stand
  4. 4Go wrong
  5. 5Adorable
  6. 6Toothbrush brand
  7. 7Arroz con __: chicken dish
  8. 8Childish retort
  9. 9PBS chef Martin
  10. 10Retired boomer, for short
  11. 11Frozen brand that "nobody doesn't like"
  12. 12Gridiron sides
  13. 13Formidable rivals
  14. 15Bread box?
  15. 18Being, in Latin
  16. 22Dog's nonverbal greeting
  17. 24Plod along
  18. 26Part of an ear
  19. 27Belted out
  20. 29Stylish filmmaker
  21. 30Leg-bending joint
  22. 34German pronoun
  23. 35"Evita" narrator
  24. 36Boathouse collection
  25. 39"Now!"
  26. 40Roof overhang
  27. 41Toppers in Santa's workshop
  28. 42Military branch at Camp Pendleton
  29. 43Narrow, as some bridges
  30. 46More calm
  31. 47Possible guest
  32. 48Must
  33. 50Wilmington's st.
  34. 52Universal donor's type, briefly
  35. 54Bring out
  36. 55__-toothed cat
  37. 56Challenge for a bowler
  38. 60Gas brand with toy trucks
  39. 61"Uh-uh"
  40. 64Genetic info carrier
  41. 65Canola __
  42. 66CPR giver

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Gerrit who won the 2023 AL Cy Young Award — Answer: COLE. Hint: This pitcher is known for his strong presence on the mound! ⚾
  2. 5. Patient contributions — Answer: COPAYS. Hint: A small fee you pay at the doctor's office can ease your mind about those medical bills! 💊
  3. 11. Capitol Hill fig. — Answer: SEN. Hint: Think of a group of people responsible for making laws in the government! 🏛️
  4. 14. Assert — Answer: AVER. Hint: When you're confident about something, you might say it loud and clear! 🔊
  5. 15. Natural light shows — Answer: AURORAS. Hint: These magical displays often dance in the night sky, especially near the poles! ✨
  6. 16. Pub quaff — Answer: ALE. Hint: This frothy favorite often accompanies a lively gathering! 🍺
  7. 17. *Yet-to-be-revealed ability — Answer: SECRETTALENT. Hint: What hidden skill might surprise everyone? 🤫
  8. 19. Sleep acronym — Answer: REM. Hint: This acronym is essential for dreaming and resting well! 😴
  9. 20. Menopause treatment, briefly — Answer: HRT. Hint: This common therapy helps manage symptoms during a significant life change. 🌸
  10. 21. Fragrances — Answer: SMELLS. Hint: Consider the various scents that tickle your nose! 👃
  11. 22. Nonverbal greeting — Answer: WAVE. Hint: Think of how you might say hello without saying a word! 👋
  12. 23. Consecrate — Answer: BLESS. Hint: Think about how you might wish someone well or invoke a positive spirit in a special moment! ✨
  13. 25. *Fundraising events for some libraries — Answer: BOOKSALES. Hint: These events turn pages into dollars for a good cause! 📚
  14. 28. Flat tire problem — Answer: AIRLEAK. Hint: When your ride goes flat, it might be a sneaky escape of something essential! 🛞
  15. 31. Playwright O'Neill — Answer: EUGENE. Hint: This famous American playwright shares his first name with a city in Oregon! 🌲
  16. 32. Nevada city near Lake Tahoe — Answer: RENO. Hint: This city is known as 'The Biggest Little City in the World' and is a popular destination for gaming and entertainment! 🎰
  17. 33. Horned equine — Answer: UNICORN. Hint: This mythical horse is known for its single spiraled horn! 🦄
  18. 37. Capital of Switzerland? — Answer: ESS. Hint: This city is known for its neutrality and beautiful lakeside views! 🇨🇭
  19. 38. *Airport announcement — Answer: GATECHANGE. Hint: When your flight’s departure point shifts, it’s time for this! ✈️
  20. 41. Moody rock genre — Answer: EMO. Hint: This genre often expresses deep feelings and emotions through its music. 🎸
  21. 44. "Now, listen ... " — Answer: SEEHERE. Hint: When you want someone's attention, you might say this before sharing something important! 👀
  22. 45. Speller's phrase — Answer: ASIN. Hint: Think about what you might say when you're unsure of how to spell something! 🤔
  23. 49. Martin of TV's "Mission: Impossible" — Answer: LANDAU. Hint: Think of an Oscar-winning actor who played a pivotal role in a classic spy series! 🎭
  24. 51. Person from Ljubljana, e.g. — Answer: SLOVENE. Hint: Think of someone from a country known for its stunning lakes and mountains! 🏞️
  25. 53. *First Amendment guarantee — Answer: FREEPRESS. Hint: Think about a key right that allows you to share your thoughts and gather information freely! 🗣️
  26. 57. Audacity — Answer: NERVE. Hint: Sometimes, it takes a little boldness to step outside your comfort zone! 😏
  27. 58. Challenge for a biker — Answer: HILL. Hint: Think about what goes up when you ride! 🚴‍♂️
  28. 59. "Rebecca" novelist du Maurier — Answer: DAPHNE. Hint: This author takes you to mysterious places in her novels! 📚
  29. 62. __ al-Fitr — Answer: EID. Hint: It's a festive holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan! 🎉
  30. 63. De Armas of "Knives Out" — Answer: ANA. Hint: This actress shares her first name with a common Spanish word for 'the'! 🎬
  31. 64. Spies with divided loyalties, and what the answers to the starred clues are — Answer: DOUBLEAGENTS. Hint: Think of those who play both sides in a covert world! 🕵️‍♀️
  32. 67. First number in many countdowns — Answer: TEN. Hint: It's the last single-digit number before you hit double digits! 🔟
  33. 68. Likable enough — Answer: NICEISH. Hint: Think of a term that describes someone who's pleasant but not overly so! 😊
  34. 69. Get together — Answer: MEET. Hint: When friends come to catch up, they often do this! 👫
  35. 70. NNW opposite — Answer: SSE. Hint: If you're facing the right way, take a step back and turn around! 🧭
  36. 71. Warns — Answer: ALERTS. Hint: Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of danger! 🚨
  37. 72. Bygone Palm smartphone — Answer: TREO. Hint: This device was once a popular choice for those who wanted a smartphone ahead of its time! 📱

Down

  1. 1. Feature of some wedding receptions — Answer: CASHBAR. Hint: A place where guests can toast with a drink of their choice! 🍹
  2. 2. Rest on top of — Answer: OVERLIE. Hint: Think about something that sits above another in a cozy way! 🛏️
  3. 3. Speaker's stand — Answer: LECTERN. Hint: Where a speaker might rest their notes while addressing an audience! 🎤
  4. 4. Go wrong — Answer: ERR. Hint: Sometimes we make a mistake, but it's all part of learning! 🤭
  5. 5. Adorable — Answer: CUTE. Hint: Think of something that makes you smile and melts your heart! 😊
  6. 6. Toothbrush brand — Answer: ORALB. Hint: Think about keeping your smile bright and fresh! 🦷
  7. 7. Arroz con __: chicken dish — Answer: POLLO. Hint: Think of a classic Spanish dish that pairs beautifully with rice and has chicken as the star! 🍗
  8. 8. Childish retort — Answer: ARESO. Hint: Think of a playful response that kids might use when they feel challenged! 😜
  9. 9. PBS chef Martin — Answer: YAN. Hint: Think of a popular culinary personality known for his love of Asian flavors! 🍜
  10. 10. Retired boomer, for short — Answer: SST. Hint: Think of a fast aircraft that might be used as a metaphor for someone who has stepped back from the daily grind! ✈️
  11. 11. Frozen brand that "nobody doesn't like" — Answer: SARALEE. Hint: This brand is famous for its sweet treats that often bring a smile to your face! 🍰
  12. 12. Gridiron sides — Answer: ELEVENS. Hint: Think about the number of players on each side of a football team! 🏈
  13. 13. Formidable rivals — Answer: NEMESES. Hint: Think of characters who are often in direct opposition, like heroes and their persistent foes! ⚔️
  14. 15. Bread box? — Answer: ATM. Hint: What do you call a machine that dispenses cash, often found in bank lobbies? 💵
  15. 18. Being, in Latin — Answer: ESSE. Hint: Think about the essence of existence in another language! 🌍
  16. 22. Dog's nonverbal greeting — Answer: WAG. Hint: What do happy pups often do with their tails? 🐕
  17. 24. Plod along — Answer: SLOG. Hint: Think of a steady but tiring journey that takes a bit of effort! 🏃‍♂️
  18. 26. Part of an ear — Answer: KERNEL. Hint: Think about the core part of something that can be found in a snack! 🌽
  19. 27. Belted out — Answer: SUNG. Hint: Think about how you express your favorite song at the top of your lungs! 🎤
  20. 29. Stylish filmmaker — Answer: AUTEUR. Hint: Think of a director whose unique vision shapes their films! 🎬
  21. 30. Leg-bending joint — Answer: KNEE. Hint: Think about a crucial point for bending during a good workout! 🏋️
  22. 34. German pronoun — Answer: ICH. Hint: In German, it's the first person singular pronoun that means 'I'. 🇩🇪
  23. 35. "Evita" narrator — Answer: CHE. Hint: This iconic figure made a name for himself in revolutionary circles and has a legendary connection to Argentina! 🇦🇷
  24. 36. Boathouse collection — Answer: OARS. Hint: What you need to row through the water! 🚣‍♂️
  25. 39. "Now!" — Answer: ASAP. Hint: When you need something done without delay, think of this abbreviation! ⏰
  26. 40. Roof overhang — Answer: EAVE. Hint: Think about the part of the house that extends beyond the walls to protect you from rain! 🌧️
  27. 41. Toppers in Santa's workshop — Answer: ELFHATS. Hint: These festive accessories are a must-have for holiday helpers! 🎄
  28. 42. Military branch at Camp Pendleton — Answer: MARINES. Hint: This tough group is often the first to arrive in a conflict! ⚓
  29. 43. Narrow, as some bridges — Answer: ONELANE. Hint: Think of a bridge that only allows a single vehicle to pass at a time! 🚗
  30. 46. More calm — Answer: SERENER. Hint: Think of a state that's even more peaceful than serene! 🌊
  31. 47. Possible guest — Answer: INVITEE. Hint: Someone you might include on your party list! 🎉
  32. 48. Must — Answer: NEEDSTO. Hint: Sometimes, you've got to prioritize what you truly require! 📝
  33. 50. Wilmington's st. — Answer: DEL. Hint: It's a common abbreviation for a certain part of the day! 🌅
  34. 52. Universal donor's type, briefly — Answer: ONEG. Hint: The type that can give to anyone in need! 🩸
  35. 54. Bring out — Answer: EDUCE. Hint: Think about how to draw something forth from within! 🎩
  36. 55. __-toothed cat — Answer: SABER. Hint: Think of a fierce prehistoric feline known for its impressive chompers! 🐱
  37. 56. Challenge for a bowler — Answer: SPLIT. Hint: It's what happens when pins are left standing far apart—tricky to knock down! 🎳
  38. 60. Gas brand with toy trucks — Answer: HESS. Hint: Think of a popular gas brand that also loves to play with miniature vehicles! 🚛
  39. 61. "Uh-uh" — Answer: NAH. Hint: When you want to express disagreement without saying a word, just keep it short and sweet! 🙅‍♂️
  40. 64. Genetic info carrier — Answer: DNA. Hint: Think of the blueprints of life, tightly packed in a double helix! 🧬
  41. 65. Canola __ — Answer: OIL. Hint: Think about what you might use for cooking or salad dressing! 🥗
  42. 66. CPR giver — Answer: EMT. Hint: Who rushes to the rescue in emergencies and knows how to revive? 🚑

Recent WaPo Crossword Answers

The last 1 day of solutions

WaPo Crossword 14 July 2026

The answer to “Flat tire problem” in the The Washington Post crossword is AIRLEAK — a 7-letter word. It most recently appeared in the The Washington Post crossword on July 15, 2026, a Wednesday puzzle, at 28-Across. Below you'll find why that fill fits, every other answer we've recorded for this clue, and links into the puzzle it came from.

“Flat tire problem” answer

AIRLEAK (7 letters)

Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is AIRLEAK.

Why the answer is AIRLEAK

When your ride goes flat, it might be a sneaky escape of something essential! 🛞

When else has “Flat tire problem” appeared?

The Washington Post reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up, and what the answer was each time — handy when you're checking whether today's fill is the only one.

July 15, 2026 (most recent) → AIRLEAK. We haven't indexed another appearance of this exact clue yet.

More clues from the WaPo Crossword on July 15, 2026

Stuck elsewhere in the grid? Here are some of the crossing and nearby clues from the same puzzle — tap any for its answer and explanation.

Want every clue in one place? The full The Washington Post answer list for July 15, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live WaPo Crossword answers are always one tap from the today page.

About the WaPo Crossword

The Washington Post Crossword is a classic American daily 15×15 (larger on Sunday), free to play online and known for fair, conversational cluing. This page covers a Wednesday puzzle. Theme answers and mid-length fill trade places in importance; when a theme clue stalls you, a confirmed crossing entry usually breaks the corner open.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “Flat tire problem”?

The answer is AIRLEAK, a 7-letter word. It most recently appeared in the The Washington Post crossword on July 15, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Flat tire problem”?

7 letters: AIRLEAK.

When did this clue appear?

Most recently in the The Washington Post crossword on July 15, 2026 (a Wednesday puzzle), at 28-Across.

Can “Flat tire problem” have a different answer?

Yes — The Washington Post sometimes reuses a clue with a different solution to fit the grid. The answers we've recorded for each date it appeared are listed above when available.

Where can I find the rest of this day's WaPo Crossword answers?

The full grid for July 15, 2026 is on the WaPo Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

Crossword Clues

Looking up a clue? Jump into today's answers and clue help from top puzzles.