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A flat tyre always seems to happen when you need it least, but knowing what to do next means you can get back on the road safely as soon as possible.
More than half of new cars now come with an emergency tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel. So, there's a decent chance that when disaster strikes, you won't have a spare to fall back on.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from spotting a flat and using your repair kit properly, to knowing when a puncture needs a professional's attention instead of a DIY fix.
What’s Included In This Article?
How To Tell If You’ve Got A Flat Tyre
A flat tyre doesn't always announce itself; sometimes it's a slow leak that creeps up on you overnight. Other times, it's instant and obvious. Here's what to look out for:
A clear bang, followed by a rhythmic thump sound
Your car pulls or drifts to one side
The steering wheel feels shaky or shuddery, especially at speed
You hear a tick or hiss as you drive
Your tyre pressure warning light comes on
You find yourself topping up the air more often than usual
If you notice any of these, it's time to find somewhere safe to stop and take a proper look at your tyres. It's also worth noting that some of these symptoms can also point to uneven wear or poor wheel alignment, so a check-up is never wasted time either way.
Is It Safe To Drive On A Flat Tyre?
In short, no. Driving on a flat tyre reduces your control of the car, increases your stopping distance, and can cause expensive damage to your wheel rim and suspension. It's also illegal, and you could be hit with a fine and penalty points for driving on a defective tyre.
If you're on a motorway with no hard shoulder, the official advice from National Highways is not to attempt any roadside fix, even if you're carrying a spare. Instead, make your way to the nearest emergency refuge area, get yourself and any passengers behind the barrier, and call for breakdown assistance. Everywhere else, pull over as soon as it's safe to do so, ideally not on a bend, a narrow road, or anywhere with poor visibility, and put your hazard lights on.
You should only drive on a flat tyre if it has been temporarily fixed with an emergency repair kit and you are on your way to a garage to have it properly repaired or replaced.
How To Use A Tyre Repair Kit, Step By Step
Once you've found somewhere safe to stop, your hazards are on, and you've applied the handbrake and switched off the engine, it's time to grab your emergency tyre repair kit.
Most repair kits live under the boot floor or tucked into a side panel, so it's worth knowing where yours is kept before you ever need it. A typical kit has two parts: a can or bottle of sealant, and a compressor.
1. Check the damage first
Have a look at the tyre before you start. If the hole is small and sits in the tread, a repair kit should temporarily do the job. If the sidewall is torn, the wheel itself is damaged, or the hole looks larger than a few millimetres across, skip the kit and call for breakdown assistance instead; sealant won't fix that.
2. Attach the sealant
Unscrew the valve cap and connect the sealant bottle's nozzle to the valve. Once attached, the pressurised sealant spreads through the inside of the tyre and starts plugging the hole.
3. Switch to the compressor
Detach the sealant bottle and connect the compressor in its place. Plug the other end into your car's 12V socket.
4. Inflate the tyre
Your car's handbook (or the sticker inside the driver's door) will tell you the correct pressure for your tyres; this sometimes differs between front and rear. Next, start the engine and switch the compressor on, inflating the tyre to the recommended figure. If it won't reach the right pressure, try rolling the car forward a few metres to help the sealant spread evenly, then try again.
Still won't inflate? That usually means the damage is beyond what a repair kit can manage. Stop trying and call your breakdown provider.
5. Finish up and get to a garage
Once you're at the correct pressure, unplug the compressor, detach it, and screw the valve cap back on. Drive carefully; most kits recommend a lower maximum speed, so check the label and head straight to a garage. Remember this fix is temporary, and it's there to get you to help, not to replace a proper repair.
With this guide, you'll be able to get back on the road safely next time you're caught out. If you need a puncture repair kit, sealant, or an inflator to keep in the boot for emergencies, you'll find everything you need at Euro Car Parts.
For more maintenance advice and driving tips, head to our Knowledge Centre.
FAQs
Can a completely flat tyre be repaired?
Yes, sometimes a completely flat tyre can be repaired, but it depends on the extent, size and location of the damage. If the puncture is larger than a few millimetres, if the tyre has been driven on while completely flat, or if there has been damage to the sidewall or shoulder, it can't be repaired and will have to be replaced instead.
How many times can a tyre be repaired?
There's no fixed limit, but repairs can't overlap each other, and each one needs to meet British Standard requirements. A tyre with a history of multiple repairs is also more likely to fail other checks, so a professional assessment is essential.