What to Do During a Flat Tyre: Stay Calm and Take Control
Picture this: You’re cruising down the highway, singing along to your favourite playlist, when thump-thump-thump—your steering wheel starts wobbling. A flat tyre. Your stomach drops. But guess what? Panic won’t fix it. Knowing what to do during a flat tyre turns a crisis into a minor inconvenience. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Stay Safe First
Pull Over Immediately—But Carefully
Don’t slam the brakes! Ease off the accelerator, grip the wheel firmly, and signal to exit the road. Aim for a flat, wide shoulder or parking lot. Avoid stopping on curves or hills—visibility matters. If you’re unsure about handling roadside emergencies, our emergency driving techniques guide covers this in detail.
Activate Hazard Lights + Use Reflective Gear
Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If it’s dark or foggy, set up reflective triangles or flares 10–20 feet behind your car. No triangles? Pop your hood or tie a bright cloth to the antenna.
Stay Inside If It’s Unsafe
On busy highways or in poor weather, staying inside your car (with seatbelts on) is safer than risking exposure to traffic. Call for help and wait.
Assess the Situation: Can You Fix It Yourself?
Check Tire Damage
Is the tyre completely flat, or just low? A slow leak might let you drive cautiously to a repair shop. A shredded tyre? You’re changing it here.
Locate Your Spare Tire and Tools
Most cars have a spare (usually under the trunk floor), a jack, and a lug wrench. No spare? Skip to the “Call for Help” section. Pro tip: Check your spare’s pressure monthly—a flat spare is useless! Learn how in our tyre pressure guide.
How to Change a Flat Tire: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
Step 1: Loosen Lug Nuts
Before jacking up the car, use the wrench to loosen (not remove!) the lug nuts. They’re often tight—stand on the wrench if needed.
Step 2: Jack Up the Vehicle
Place the jack under the car’s reinforced lift point (see your manual). Pump slowly until the tyre is 2–3 inches off the ground.
Step 3: Swap the Tires
- Remove loosened lug nuts and the flat tyre.
- Align the spare with the wheel bolts.
- Hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
Step 4: Lower the Car and Tighten
Lower the jack until the spare touches the ground. Fully tighten lug nuts with the wrench. Never overtighten—it can damage bolts.
Step 5: Check Pressure and Drive Cautiously
Spares (especially “doughnut” tyres) have speed limits (usually 50 mph). Head straight to a repair shop.
When to Call for Help Instead
No Spare or Tools?
Modern cars often ditch spares for repair kits—great for punctures, not blowouts. If you’re unprepared, call roadside assistance.
Dangerous Location
Stuck on a busy highway, steep hill, or icy road? Stay inside and call for help. For icy conditions, our winter driving tips explain how to stay safe.
Lack Confidence?
Changing a tyre isn’t for everyone. There’s no shame in calling a pro!
Prevent Future Flats: Smart Habits
Inspect Tires Monthly
Look for nails, cracks, or uneven wear. Run your hand over the tread—if it feels jagged, rotations are overdue.
Maintain Proper Pressure
Underinflated tyres overheat and fail. Overinflated tyres burst easily. Check pressure monthly—here’s how.
Avoid Road Hazards
Steer clear of potholes, debris, and curbs. If you can’t dodge, slow down!
Invest in a Tire Repair Kit
A 20€ kit with sealant and an air compressor can temporarily fix small punctures.
Be Prepared—Not Scared
Flat tyres happen, but they don’t have to ruin your day. Stay calm, follow these steps, and you’ll be back on the road faster than you think. Want to practice tyre changes or learn advanced safety skills? Explore Epic Driving School’s courses for hands-on training. After all, confidence behind the wheel starts with preparation!