A flat tyre or blowout is stressful, particularly on a busy London road. The first priority is safety, the second is not making the damage worse.
Get to a safe place
If it happens while you are driving, hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator and avoid braking hard. Signal and move slowly to the nearest safe place, such as a side road, car park or lay-by.
Make yourself visible
Switch on your hazard lights. If it is safe and the road is not busy, a warning triangle can help. On fast roads, passengers should wait well away from the car.
Don't keep driving on it
Driving on a flat tyre quickly destroys the tyre and can damage the wheel, brakes and suspension. Only move a short distance at walking pace to get out of a live lane.
Your options
You can fit the spare wheel if you have one and can do it safely, use a sealant kit for small punctures, or call a mobile fitter. Sealant is a temporary fix, and it can make a later repair more difficult.
After the repair
Whichever route you take, have the tyre inspected properly and check the pressure of all four. A space-saver spare is for short, slow trips only.
Common questions
Is it illegal to drive on a flat tyre?
Driving on a tyre that is unsafe or below the legal limit can lead to penalties, and a flat tyre is clearly unsafe. Stop as soon as it is safe.
Can I use sealant instead of calling someone?
For a small tread puncture it may get you moving, but it is only temporary. Have the tyre checked soon after.
Do you attend flat tyres in London?
Yes. We cover all 33 London boroughs. Call us with your location and we will confirm the next step.
What if I don't have a spare?
Many modern cars don't. A mobile fitter can come to you and repair or replace the tyre where the car is.