United Kingdom
Flat Tyre Across the UK? Emergency Tips for a Safe Recovery
Flat Tyre Across the UK? Emergency Tips for a Safe Recovery
Don't get stranded on the UK roads! Our expert recovery specialists share essential tips and guidance on how to handle a flat tyre, including when to call 24/7 roadside assistance.
What to Do When You Get a Flat Tyre
- Stay calm and move to a safe location away from traffic.
- If you're on a motorway, pull onto the hard shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. If you're driving on a single carriageway, use the side of the road or a layby as far away from traffic as possible.
- Turn off the engine and engage the handbrake.
Assessing the Situation
Take a moment to assess your situation and decide whether you can change the tyre yourself or if you need roadside assistance.
Changing the Tyre Yourself
If you have a spare tyre, follow these steps:
- Make sure the vehicle is in a safe location.
- Gather your equipment: the spare tyre, lug wrench, and car jack.
- Loosen the lug nuts using the lug wrench, but do not remove them yet.
- Raise the vehicle using the car jack until the flat tyre is off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tyre.
- Put on the spare tyre and hand tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
When to Call 24/7 Recovery
If you're not comfortable changing the tyre yourself or if you don't have a spare tyre, call our 24/7 roadside assistance team for help. We'll send a fully equipped vehicle with a technician who can change your tyre and get you back on the road.
We also offer mobile tyre repair services in some areas, but this is not always available. Be sure to check if we offer this service in your area before booking our 24/7 recovery service.
Additional Tips
- Make sure you have a spare tyre and know how to change it.
- Keep your vehicle well-maintained, including checking the tyres regularly for wear and tear.
- Always carry a basic toolkit in your vehicle, including a lug wrench and car jack.
Spare Tyre Usage Guidelines
When using a spare tyre, make sure to follow these guidelines:
- The spare tyre should only be used for temporary purposes until you can get the flat tyre repaired or replaced.
- The spare tyre should not be driven on for an extended period of time.
- The spare tyre should be inspected regularly for signs of wear and tear.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I get a flat tyre on the motorway?
If you get a flat tyre on the motorway, pull onto the hard shoulder as soon as it's safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights and engage the handbrake. If you're driving on a single carriageway, use the side of the road or a layby as far away from traffic as possible.
Can I drive on my spare tyre for an extended period?
No, it's not recommended to drive on your spare tyre for an extended period. The spare tyre should only be used temporarily until you can get the flat tyre repaired or replaced.
Do I need roadside assistance if I have a spare tyre?
If you have a spare tyre and know how to change it, you may not need roadside assistance. However, if you're not comfortable changing the tyre yourself, it's always best to call our 24/7 roadside assistance team for help.
What should I do with my flat tyre?
Take your flat tyre to a tyre repair shop or a garage as soon as possible. They can inspect and repair or replace the tyre for you.
Can I use my spare tyre on long journeys?
It's not recommended to use your spare tyre on long journeys. The spare tyre should only be used temporarily until you can get the flat tyre repaired or replaced. If you need to drive a long distance, consider getting the flat tyre repaired or replaced before embarking on your journey.