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• Do I need a spare tyre to pass MOT?
• How long can you drive on a spare tyre in the UK?
• Do all cars have a spare tyre?
• Do spare tyres have a TPMS system
• What else is a spare tyre called?
• Can I drive with a flat tyre?
• What to do with a flat tyre?
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What to do with a flat tyre?

A flat tyre is when the air pressure in your tyre drops significantly. The tyre will deflate, lose its shape and will no longer be able to support the weight of the vehicle correctly.

How do you know you have a flat tyre?

A flat tyre is normally quite an obvious thing to spot. Here are few telltale signs to look out:

• Feeling the car pulls to one side
• There is a strange thumping or flapping noise
• You can feel excess vibration through the steering wheel
• Spotting a bulge or tear in the tyre

If you notice any of these, check your tyres as soon as possible.

How long can I drive on a flat tyre?

It's important not to drive on a flat tyre for any length of time.

Driving with a flat tyre(s) will lead to further damage to the tyre – and potentially your wheel rim and the suspension of your car.

You should not drive on a flat tyre for more than a few hundred yards or meters, at most.

What causes a flat tyre?

There are several reasons why you may experience a flat tyre, including:

• Punctures from nails, screws, or other sharp objects on the road
• Damage to the tyre from hitting a curb or pothole
• Wear and tear from driving over long distances or at high speeds
• Faulty valve stems or rims
• Over or under inflating the tyre

What to do with a flat tyre?

If you have a flat tyre, as soon as you can safely find a a spot to to pull over and stop. Make sure it is safe to do so.

To alert other road users that you are in trouble, it's a good idea to turn on the hazard lights in your car.

If you have a spare tyre in the boot of your car, and the necessary tools, you can change the tyre. If not or you are not sure how to change a tyre, call for help from a roadside assistance company.

What to do once you have changed your flat tyre?

Once you have replaced your tyre, ensure that the air pressure for all of your tyres is correct. It’s also a good time, if safe to do so, to check the other tyres for any sign of wear and tear.

Make sure the wheel nuts are tight and that the spare tyre is properly secure before you set off on the rest of your journey.

Replace your spare tyre as soon as possible. Most spare tyres are only fit for use for a limited amount of time and a new tyre will be required.