Flat Tyre? Here's What To Do (And How To Stay Safe)

## Flat Tyre. Now What?

You're driving. Something feels wrong. The steering pulls. There's a weird noise.

You've got a flat tyre.

First thing: don't panic. A flat tyre is annoying, but it's manageable. Here's exactly what to do.

Step 1: Get Off The Road Safely

The moment you realise you have a flat tyre:

Slow down gradually. Don't brake hard or swerve.

Turn on your hazard lights. Let other drivers know something's wrong.

Pull over to a safe spot. A car park, lay-by, or hard shoulder. Avoid stopping on bends or hills if possible.

Get as far from traffic as you can. If you're on a motorway, pull onto the hard shoulder and get everyone out of the car via the passenger side.

Step 2: Assess The Situation

Before you do anything else, check:

• **Is it safe to change the tyre here?**
• Are you far enough from traffic?
• Is the ground level and solid?
• Do you have enough light to see what you're doing?

If the answer is no to any of these, call for help instead. Your safety matters more than saving time.

• **Do you have the tools?**
• Spare tyre (check it's inflated)
• Jack
• Wheel wrench (lug wrench)
• Your car's manual

Most cars have these in the boot, under the floor mat.

Step 3: How To Change A Flat Tyre

If it's safe and you have the tools, here's how to do it:

1. Secure The Car

Put the car in Park (automatic) or first gear (manual). Apply the parking brake hard.

If you have wheel wedges or bricks, put them behind the tyres on the opposite end from the flat.

2. Get Your Tools Out

Locate your spare, jack, and wheel wrench. Check your manual if you're not sure where they are.

3. Loosen The Wheel Nuts

Before jacking up the car, loosen the wheel nuts. Turn them counter-clockwise (left).

Don't remove them yet — just break the resistance. This is easier while the tyre is still on the ground.

4. Position The Jack

Your car has specific jack points — reinforced areas designed to take the weight. Check your manual for the exact locations.

Never put the jack under random parts of the car. You'll cause damage.

5. Raise The Car

Use the jack to lift the car until the flat tyre is about 15cm off the ground.

Never go under a car supported only by a jack. If you need to go under, use proper axle stands.

6. Remove The Flat Tyre

Now fully unscrew the wheel nuts. Keep them somewhere safe — you'll need them.

Pull the flat tyre straight towards you to remove it.

7. Mount The Spare

Lift the spare onto the wheel studs. Push it back until the studs show through the holes.

Hand-tighten the wheel nuts. Don't use the wrench yet.

8. Lower The Car

Lower the car until the tyre touches the ground, but don't put the full weight down yet.

9. Tighten The Wheel Nuts Properly

Now use the wrench to fully tighten the nuts. Go in a star pattern (opposite corners) to ensure even pressure.

How tight? As tight as you can get them. When in doubt, tighter is better.

10. Lower Fully And Check

Lower the car completely. Remove the jack.

Check the wheel nuts one more time. Give each one another turn if you can.

11. Check Spare Tyre Pressure

Most spare tyres need higher pressure than regular tyres. Check your manual.

Drive to a petrol station and check/adjust the pressure before going far.

If You Can't Change It Yourself

No spare tyre? No tools? Unsafe location? Physical limitations?

There's no shame in calling for help. That's the smart move.

The Hault app connects you with mobile mechanics who bring everything needed. They'll change your tyre, or if it's repairable, patch it on the spot.

Run-Flat Tyres: A Different Story

Some modern cars have run-flat tyres. These can drive for about 50 miles at up to 50mph even when flat.

Check your dashboard. If you have run-flats, there's usually a tyre pressure warning system. The manual tells you how far you can go.

Even with run-flats: Don't push your luck. Drive straight to a tyre shop or call a mobile fitter.

Space Saver Spares vs Full-Size Spares

Many cars now come with space saver spares (those small skinny ones).

• **If you have a space saver:**
• Maximum speed: 50mph
• Don't drive far — get a proper tyre fitted quickly
• Don't use for towing
• Handling will feel different — drive carefully

How Much Does A New Tyre Cost?

If the flat tyre is destroyed (sidewall damage, run flat too far, etc.), you'll need a new one.

• **Typical costs in the UK:**
• Budget tyres: £40-60
• Mid-range tyres: £60-100
• Premium tyres: £100-200+

Mobile tyre fitting usually costs £10-20 extra but saves you the hassle of going to a garage.

Preventing Flat Tyres

Check tyre pressure monthly. Under-inflated tyres are more likely to puncture and blow out.

Inspect tyres for damage. Look for cuts, bulges, or objects stuck in the tread.

Avoid potholes and kerbs. They damage tyres and wheels.

Replace worn tyres. In the UK, the minimum tread depth is 1.6mm. Most mechanics recommend replacing at 3mm.

Keep a working spare. Check its pressure when you check your other tyres.

Get Help Now

Flat tyre and can't deal with it yourself? No problem.

Open the Hault app, tap "SOS Breakdown," and get a mobile mechanic to your location.

They'll change it, repair it, or source a new tyre for you. You stay safe in your car while they handle everything.

Download Hault and be prepared for next time.