What to Do If You Get a Flat Tyre on the Motorway

What to Do If You Get a Flat Tyre on the Motorway

A tyre blowout or sudden flat on the motorway is one of the most stressful driving situations you can face. Staying calm and following the right steps can keep you safe until help arrives.

Step 1: Don't Brake Suddenly

If you feel a tyre go while driving, resist the urge to brake hard or swerve. Ease off the accelerator gradually and let your speed drop naturally.

Step 2: Signal and Move Left

Indicate early and move across to the hard shoulder or nearest safe exit, checking mirrors carefully as your car may pull slightly in the direction of the flat tyre.

Step 3: Pull as Far Left as Possible

Get your vehicle as close to the barrier or verge as you safely can, ideally with the wheels angled away from the road.

Step 4: Exit From the Passenger Side (If Safe)

If you're on the hard shoulder, it's safer to exit from the passenger side and stand well behind the barrier, away from moving traffic — never stand between your car and the road.

Step 5: Call for Help

Once you and any passengers are in a safe position, call for assistance. If you're stuck on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder, call 999 immediately and stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and hazard lights flashing until help arrives.

Step 6: Know When It's Safe to Wait for Mobile Fitting

On a standard hard shoulder or safely off the motorway (a service station, slip road, or lay-by), our mobile tyre fitting service can come directly to you, usually within 35-45 minutes, to fit a replacement without needing a tow truck. Call our 24/7 emergency line →

Never attempt to change a tyre yourself on a live motorway lane or hard shoulder — it's extremely dangerous. Always wait in a safe position for professional help.