Flat tyre

First, get somewhere safe

If a tyre goes flat while you’re driving, hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator and brake gently. Pull over somewhere safe, away from traffic, and switch on your hazard lights. Never change a wheel on the hard shoulder of a motorway. Get everyone behind the barrier and call for help.

Your options

Spare wheel

If you have a full-size spare and you’re somewhere safe and level, you can fit it yourself. Space-saver spares are for short distances at reduced speed, usually 50mph or less (check the sticker on the wheel).

Tyre sealant kit

Many newer cars come with a sealant and compressor instead of a spare. It works for small punctures in the tread, not for sidewall damage or large holes. Drive gently to a garage afterwards, and tell them sealant has been used.

Run-flat tyres

Run-flats let you keep driving a limited distance at reduced speed after a puncture. Check your handbook for the limits.

Mobile tyre fitting or recovery

Mobile tyre fitters can come to you and fit a new tyre where the car is. If there’s no safe place to work, recovery can take the car to a garage.

Repair or replace?

A puncture can usually be repaired if it’s a small hole in the central part of the tread and the tyre hasn’t been driven on while flat. Damage to the sidewall or shoulder, large holes, or a tyre driven flat usually mean replacement. Repairs should follow the British Standard for tyre repairs (BS AU 159), so ask the fitter.

A tyre that keeps going flat

A slow puncture may come from a nail in the tread, a damaged valve, or corrosion where the tyre seals against the wheel rim. If your tyre pressure warning light keeps coming on, have the tyre checked rather than just topping it up.

Tyres and the law

In the UK, car tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round. Driving on a damaged or illegal tyre can mean a fine and penalty points for each tyre.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive on a flat tyre?

Only as far as is needed to get somewhere safe, slowly. Driving further damages the tyre beyond repair and can damage the wheel.

Can a mobile fitter come to me?

Yes. Many mobile tyre fitters work at homes, workplaces and the roadside, as long as there’s a safe place to work.

How fast can I drive on a space-saver?

Usually no more than 50mph. Check the label on the wheel and replace it with a proper tyre as soon as you can.